Recognition of the Place and Legal Effects of "Transactions Contrary to the Commitment to Legal Act Omission"

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Private Law, Faculty of Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

2 LLM Student in Private Law, Faculty of Islamic Studies and Law, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

 ∴ Introduction ∴ 
The balance between contractual freedom and legal restrictions forms the bedrock of modern civil code, compelling a nuanced exploration of the dynamics between parties' rights and obligations within contractual frameworks. This discourse becomes particularly compelling when examining the implications of transactions that contravene a party's commitment to abstain from certain legal acts. Such scenarios unveil the complex interplay between legal theory and practice, challenging conventional understandings of rights, obligations, and the sanctity of contracts. This research delves into the depths of Iranian civil law to unravel the legal fabric surrounding "transactions contrary to the commitment to legal act omission" offering a comprehensive analysis of its nature, implications, and the legal scaffolding that governs such transactions. This study embarks on a quest to illuminate the intricacies of these transactions, unraveling the legislative measures in place to safeguard the aggrieved party's interests, and probing the validity and consequences of violating such a contractual commitment.
 ∴ Research Question ∴ 
The central inquiry of this research hinges on discerning the legal standing of transactions executed in defiance of a commitment to legal act omission. This question probes the depths of legal philosophy and jurisprudence, seeking to understand how Iranian civil code adjudicates such matters. It explores the dichotomy between the validity and enforceability of these transactions and the legal ramifications for parties that choose to contravene their commitments. This inquiry not only scrutinizes the legal framework but also delves into the philosophical underpinnings that define the essence of contractual obligations and freedoms.
 ∴ Research Hypothesis ∴ 
The hypothesis posits that transactions contrary to the commitment to abstain from a legal act occupy a nebulous legal terrain, where their validity and enforceability are contingent upon an interplay of legal principles, contractual stipulations, and the inherent nature of the rights in question. It suggests that while some transactions may be deemed valid yet unenforceable, others may be outright nullified, depending on the legal and contractual context. This hypothesis is grounded in the premise that the legal system strives to balance the sanctity of contracts with the protection of individual rights, leading to a nuanced adjudication process that carefully considers the specifics of each case.
 ∴ Methodology & Framework, if Applicable ∴ 
This research employs a descriptive-analytical methodology, meticulously sifting through the annals of Iranian civil law and Islamic law to construct a coherent legal narrative. The analytical component seeks to critically evaluate prevailing arguments and theories regarding the legal status of transactions that breach a commitment to a legal act omission. By distinguishing between agreements that confer real rights (chose in possession/ jus in rem) versus personal rights (chose in action), the study sheds light on the subtleties that influence the legal outcomes of such transactions. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of the transaction's subject matter's legality and the conditions for transactional validity as pivotal factors in determining the legal status of these contentious acts. Through this rigorous methodology, the research endeavors to offer a holistic understanding of the topic, bridging theoretical insights with practical legal applications.
 ∴ Results & Discussion ∴ 
The investigation into the legal ramifications of transactions that defy a commitment to abstain from a legal act unveils a nuanced legal landscape, informed by a detailed examination of Iranian civil code and Islamic precedents. The study's findings underscore a pivotal differentiation between real rights (chose in possession) and personal rights (chose in action) emanating from such commitments, shaping the legal discourse around the validity and enforceability of contravening transactions.
     Real vs. Personal Rights: The research delineates a critical distinction between commitments that engender real rights, which are claimable against all, and those that give rise to personal rights, which are generally enforceable against specific individuals. This distinction is paramount in assessing the legality of transactions that breach a commitment to abstain from a legal act. Real rights, characterized by their universality and enforceability against everyone, render transactions that contradict such commitments valid due to the non-conflictual nature of these rights with the act of property transfer. Conversely, personal rights, stemming from a more restricted legal relationship, position contravening transactions as non-enforceable, primarily due to the illegitimacy of the transaction's subject matter.
     Authorization of Contrary Transactions: The study further explores various legal mechanisms—such as representation, permission, transferring the claim to the debtor, quitclaim, and cancellation of the bargain—that could potentially legitimize transactions contrary to the commitment to abstain from a legal act. Among these, cancellation emerges as the most preferred option, reflecting the apparent intentions and behaviors of the parties involved. This preference underscores the legal system's inclination towards respecting the parties' autonomy and the dynamic interpretation of contracts.
     Impact of Authorization on Contrary Transactions: A pivotal aspect of the research's findings relates to the temporal effects of authorizing a contravening transaction. Should the legal system accept the retrospective impact of contracts, the authorization of a contrary transaction would validate its effects from the moment of the contractual breach. This perspective necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the conditions under which such authorization is deemed valid, offering a legal framework that accommodates the complexities of contractual relations and their execution over time.
 ∴ Conclusion ∴ 
The exploration of transactions contrary to the commitment to legal act omission illuminates a complex legal and jurisprudential domain within Iranian civil law. The study's conclusion highlights several key insights:
     Diverse Nature of Rights: The research substantiates the notion that commitments to legal act omission can either establish personal or real rights, with significant implications for the validity and enforceability of transactions that breach these commitments. This dichotomy necessitates a nuanced legal approach, distinguishing between different types of rights and their corresponding legal treatments.
     Legitimization Mechanisms and Preferences: Among the mechanisms available for authorizing transactions that contravene a commitment, cancellation stands out as the preferred method, indicative of the legal system's flexibility in accommodating the evolving intentions and agreements of contractual parties.
     Retrospective Effectiveness of Authorization: The potential for contracts to exert retrospective effects upon authorization offers a dynamic legal tool for rectifying breaches of commitment, ensuring that the legal system can adapt to the realities of contractual relationships and the temporal dimensions of their execution.
     Legislative Ambiguity and Recommendations: The research identifies a notable ambiguity in the Iranian legislative framework regarding the creation of real rights to reclaim property, suggesting an area ripe for legal clarification and reform. It advocates for legislative action to address and amend the ambiguities surrounding the establishment of real rights, aiming to enhance the clarity, fairness, and predictability of the legal system.
     In conclusion, this study not only charts the complex legal territory of transactions contrary to the commitment to abstain from a legal act but also calls for a more refined legislative approach to solidify the legal principles governing these transactions. By dissecting the nature and implications of such commitments within Iranian civil law, the research offers valuable insights and recommendations for legal scholars, practitioners, and legislators, aiming to foster a more coherent and equitable legal landscape.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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