Free Online Contract Law Courses

Remember that contract law is not universal: some courses will give you a basic overview of the common elements found in contracts while others might be relevant to a specific country. Check if your country has its own requirements for contracts to be valid.

1. Introduction to Contracts in Law

Start here for the groundwork. You’ll learn how to draw up and amend legally binding contracts, and what to do if the terms change or one party does not fulfil their obligations.

2. Basics of Contract Laws and Consumer Protection in the UK

Specifically targeting Great Britain but with other information that is broadly useful in most contract law, this course shows you what to look for when assessing a contract and explains complex legal terminology so it’s easier to understand.

3. Basics of Contracts Law

Again with a focus on the UK but with wider appeal for those who want a general overview of contract law, this course explains nitty-gritty like contract absorption, abstraction and summarisation.

‘Law’ is a very wide field with lots of different branches that cover almost every aspect of our lives. It also differs greatly from country to country and sometimes even within the same country. Cities may even have specific by-laws that other cities in the same country don’t have. Contract law refers specifically to the legalities around agreements. The agreement is between parties for the transfer or use of services (such as agreeing to paint someone’s house for money), goods (such as selling a house) or money (such as inheritances). Any time you and another person or entity have entered into a mutual understanding, contract law will apply if one of you does not do as promised or agreed, or wants to change the terms of your contract.

Contracts are legally binding, and have to be carefully drawn up so that there is clarity before all parties accept the obligation. Here are some areas in which contract law is important and the fields in which you can work:

• Buying and selling goods

• Renting out properties or goods

• Wedding and event planning

• Agreeing to employ someone for a job

• Agreeing to work for someone else

• Selling the rights to a song or book you have written

In some places, people can sue for breach of contract or promise if an engagement gets called off. Governments enter into serious contracts around trade, defence and human rights. The better and clearer the contract, the less likely problems will arise later, which is why an understanding of contract law is so important.