Contractual Indemnities

Promises of indemnity are found in many kinds of commercial contracts, not just contracts of insurance. This book examines the nature and effect of contractual indemnities outside the insurance context. It is the first work to provide a detailed account of the subject in English law. The book presents a coherent theory of the promise of indemnity while also addressing important practical issues, such as the construction of contractual indemnities. The subject is approached from two perspectives. The foundations are laid by examining general principles applicable to indemnities in various forms. This covers the nature of indemnity promises; general principles of construction; the determination of scope; and the enforcement of indemnities. The approach then moves from the general to the specific, by examining separately particular forms of indemnity. Included among these are indemnities against liability to third parties, and indemnities against default or non-performance by third parties. The book states English law but it draws upon a considerable amount of material from other common law jurisdictions, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore. It will appeal to readers from those countries. Reviews 'Overall, the book involves a close analysis of cases and dicta both in Australia and in other countries, notably the United Kingdom. In this respect it is a meticulous, scholarly and thorough work . In setting out the principles which emerge from the [indemnity] cases, the book reminds the reader of the importance of the clauses in those cases. This book will greatly assist the drafting process'. Malcolm A Clarke, Journal of Contract Law ' ...an excellent book ... Wayne Courtney has done a very good job of distilling centuries of English and Commonwealth case law on indemnities into a narrative that sets out the main principles of interpretation. His experiences as a practising lawyer and as an academic have undoubtedly contributed to making this a useful work'. Mark Anderson, IP Draughts 'This is a scholarly text which covers in meticulous detail the full range of issues associated with indemnities: not simply the technical issues of their nature and their construction, but also the more practical issues of their breach and enforcement. The author fulfils the stated aim "to provide a coherent account of the construction and enforcement of promises of indemnity". This is a valuable and landmark work which should be of immense assistance to commercial practitioners, litigators and judges alike when confronted by indemnity problems'. Rohan Havelock, New Zealand Business Law Quarterly

Wayne Courtney is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Sydney.