Law

The Impact of Exceptional Circumstances on Contractual Performance under Lebanese Law: Between the Binding Force of Contracts and the Requirements of Contractual Justice

Law
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Authors

Name: Mohamad Abdelilah Farhat | Country: Lebanese Republic
Department / Fine Specialization: Law
Institution / University: Doctoral School of Law, Political, Administrative & Economic Sciences / Lebanese University
📧 Mhamad-farhat@hotmail.com 0009-0003-8925-230X

Abstract

This study examines the impact of exceptional circumstances on contractual performance under Lebanese law, particularly in light of the financial and monetary crises since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, security and military developments, and the resulting legislation suspending legal deadlines. It draws on Article 221 of the Lebanese Code of Obligations and Contracts, which establishes the binding force of contracts and the principles of good faith, equity, and custom, as well as Articles 341–343 governing force majeure. The study distinguishes between impossibility of performance and hardship arising from unforeseen exceptional circumstances. Using a legal analytical approach, it examines the limits of judicial authority to modify civil and commercial contracts and clarifies that Laws No. 328/2024 and No. 46/2026, concerning the suspension of deadlines, do not establish a general legal basis for restoring contractual equilibrium. The study concludes by emphasizing the need to develop legislative, judicial, and contractual mechanisms that balance transactional stability with contractual justice, protect parties acting in good faith against exceptional risks, and preserve the binding force of contracts.
Keywords: Exceptional Circumstances, force majeure, Contractual Hardship, Binding Force of Contracts, Contractual Justice
Research Language: Arabic
How to cite:
ElQarar Journal for Peer-Reviewed Scientific Research, Vol. 12, Issue 35, Year (3), pp. 266-282.
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⚖️ Conflict of Interest:

The author/authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this research.

💰 Funding:

This study did not receive any financial support or grant from any public, private, or non-profit entity.

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