在“听”、“ 说”、“ 读”、“ 写”当中,英文契约书最为重要的是“读”与“写”。在国际契约的“读”与“写”当中,读是最基本的,关键是读的方法。在“读”的过程中,有两个方面需要注意:
一是作为“英文”而读。以英语原文进行理解。
二是作为“契约书”来读。进行总结性改善。
在实践中,常常并不是将契约书分这样两步而是同时来进行的。
第一节 国际契约中独特用语之解读
国际契约书几乎都是用英语制作而成,所以,要读懂英文契约,首先要具备一定的英语能力。因为英文契约书中的文法规则和一般英文是相同的。
但是,在英文契约书中,常常要求以下的原则:
1. 用10句可以描述的不得用1句来描述。
2. 冗长的语句中尽量不使用短句。
3. 大量且复杂的文中即使是可以用相似相近的表达也不可用单纯的语句。
4. 如果可以使用拉丁文的地方,尽可能不用英文。
5. 几乎所有的一切都需加上限制。
6. 不要嫌往返重复。
7. 如果是外行都可以从头至尾顺利通读下去的话,该契约应该更加深入润色斟酌。
或许感觉这些所谓的原则如同笑料一样不可思议,但接触到实际的英文国际契约后,肯定会有一些深刻的体会。英文国际契约不同于英文小说,内容枯燥无味,需要有一定的坚持、恒心和毅力。
英文国际契约难于理解的最大原因之一是用语。一些诸如医学、建筑等方面的专业用语必须理所当然需要掌握理解。最初在契约书中常常会见到一些用法特殊而又生疏的用语,这里仅列举其中的一部分例子。
1.“here-”
2. consideration
3.“shall”和“may”
4. subject to
5.“there-”
6. Witnesseth
7. terminate/expire
8. including without limitation,including but not limited to,without limiting the generality of the foregoing
9. responsible/liable
10. indemnify/hold harmless
11. without prejudice
12. to the extent
13. at one’s discretion/for one’s convenience
14. provided
15. as the case may be
16. commission or omission
17. without commitment
18. best efforts/best endeavors
19. jointly/jointly and severally
20. execute
21. upon one’s request/at the request of one
22. on the[a] basis of…/on a … basis
23. for the purpose of …/for purposes of …
24. from time to time
25. at the expense of …
26. otherwise
27. deem/consider/presume/regard/treat
28. credit
29. notwithstanding
在英文国际契约中,还存在许多并非由英语而来的用语。比如说,不可抗力的用语force majeure 就是由法语而来。bona fide 一词是拉丁语,意思为善意、正直的、真实的。memorandum也是拉丁语,与“contract” 和“Agreement”相同对待,但是应该视为具有法律约束力的。除此之外,mutatis mutandis 也是拉丁语,原意为“做必要的修正”,当作为法律性意思而使用的时候,将成为“视为准用”的意思。pro rata 是拉丁语,意思为“相应于分割比例”。vice versa 是拉丁语,是“反之也一样、相同”的意思。拉丁语in lieu of与英语中的“instead of”及“in place of”同意。拉丁语per annum 是“每一年”的意思。
下面是不可抗力force majeure的具体例子,我们可以从对方国家以及企业的不同状况选择不同的事例。
·act of foreign enemies 来自外国的侵略
·act of God 自然灾害
·act of public enemies 内乱
·any other cause beyond the reasonable control of the affected party 超出当事人合理控制的其他原因
·arrest or restraint of princes ,rulers or people 对王子、统治者、平民的逮捕和拘禁
·assailing thieves 强迫行为(只用于复数)
·blockades 封锁
·bursting or overflowing water 泛滥或者水灾
·civil commotion 市民暴动,市民骚乱
·civil war 内乱、内战
·commotion 骚扰
·currency restrictions 通货限制(只用于复数)
·direction or guidance of governmental or regulatory authorities 由行政政府的行政领导
·disorder 骚动
·earthquake 地震
·embargoes 通商停止
·epidemics 传染病
·explosion 爆炸
·fire 火灾
·flood 洪水
·general shortage of materials 原材料短缺
·governmental regulations or orders 政令、规则
·hostilities 敌对行为(只用于复数)
·industrial action 罢工
·inevitable accidents 不可避免的事故
·insurrections 暴动
·invasion 侵略
·labour troubles or other industrial disturbances 劳动纠纷或者其他的劳动争议
·legal restrictions 法律性规制
·lightning and thunder 雷电
·lockouts 停工、工厂关闭
·military or usurped power 军队的某种行动或者掠夺行为
·mobilization 战争时期的体制
·natural disaster 自然灾害
·outbreak of a stage of emergency 紧急事态的爆发
·perils of the seas 海难(只用于复数)
·pirates 海盗(只用于复数)
·quarantine restrictions (传染病的)隔离(只用于复数)
·rebellion 反乱、暴动
·refusal to issue license 拒绝发行政府许可证
·requisition 征用命令
·restrictions in the use of power 限制权限行使
·riot 暴动、骚乱
·seizure under legal process 依法逮捕
·shortage of transport 运输能力的不足
·storm 风暴
·strikes 罢工
·tempest 暴风雨
·utility or communication failures 公共设施及通信设施不足
·war (declared or undeclared) 战争
·warlike conditions 类似战争的情形
另外,英文国际契约还有一个特点就是同义词的反复并用。这起源于日耳曼人征服英国而开始的。
·act and deed 行为
·all and every 所有的
·alter, amend, modify or change 变更
·any and all 任何的
·assign and transfer 让渡、转让
·assume and agree 同意、合意
·authorize and empower 授权
·bind and obligate 约束
·by and between 两者之间
·by and under ……之下
·by and with 根据……
·cease and come to an end 终止
·costs and expenses 费用
·covenant and agree 同意、合意
·cover ,embrace, and include 包含
·deemed and considered 推定、假设
·due and payable 到达支付期限
·each and all 全部、所有
·each and every 各自
·effective and valid 有效的
·entirely and completely 完全的
·final and conclusive 终局
·finish and complete 结束
·fit and suitable 适当的
·for and during the term of 在……期间中
·for and in/on behalf of 代表……利益
·for and in consideration of 约因
·force and effect 效力
·for and during the period of 在……期间中
·from and after 在……之后
·full and complete 完全的
·full force and effect 有效的
·furnish and supply 供给
·give and grant 给予
·give , devise ,and bequeath 遗赠
·have and obtain 所有、保有
·hold and keep 保持
·keep and maintain 维持
·kind and character 性质
·kind and nature 性质
·known and described as 称之为
·laws and acts 法律
·make and conclude 缔结
·make and enter into 缔结
·mean and include 意思为……
·mentioned or referred to 记载
·modify and change 变更
·null and no effect/force/value 无效的
·null and void 无效的
·of and concerning 相关的
·over and above 超出
·power and authority 权限
·request and demand 请求
·request and require 请求
·save and except 除了……
·sole and exclusive 唯一的、排他的
·supersede and displace 无效的、可替代的
·terms and conditions 条件
·true and correct 正确的
·type and kind 种类
·under and subject to 受……支配
·understood and agreed 合意、同意
·when and as ……场合
·when and if ……场合
·willfully and knowingly 故意的
·with regard to and in connection with 和……相关的
第二节 制作国际契约书需注意的问题
在制作书写英文国际契约书之时,最大的便利莫过于参考利用许多英文契约书例集、或者在自己公司工作的同时积累起来的以前的例子。灵活巧妙地应用这些例子,可以帮助我们快速书写英文的国际契约。
在利用参考先前的例子或者例集时,一定要注意不能原封不动地应用。因为契约书的内容,即使是同一种类的契约,其具体的情况也有很大不同。比如,从买方的立场书写的契约书,如果是被以卖方身份的人或者公司利用的话,情况将是不可思议的。同样,就是从同一立场出发书写的先前例子,也有根据不同的情况以态度强硬或者较为柔和的前提下书写的,像这种情况也要非常注意,须根据己方的情况选择和确定合适的口吻。另外,在许多书式例集中,还存在许多在特殊条件下做成的契约的先例,将这样的先例用于没有特殊情况的契约当中,当然是很可笑的。
那么,书式例集中的先例如何很好地利用呢?将这些先例当作检查单(检查目录)是最好的办法。从宏观的角度来考虑,就某个契约,先按照自己的思维写出各种条款,然后就自己书写的契约来调查缺少何种条款,这时候看一看先例也许就会一目了然。
通过查先例,同一种类的契约如何排列条款也会逐渐明白。但是,千万不要盲从,无论如何,对于这些例子,一定要批判性的接受。
契约书有其特有的语言,而每个国家都保持有墨守传统的法律文章和语言使其难以理解。现代的英文契约书,虽然英文的简化和推广随着时代不断地发展,但是,经过了几百年的英文契约书的书写文范依然遗留着它的古朴文风。比较一下1857年的租赁契约,除却岁月的因素,我们会发现它几乎与现代契约书有着令人惊奇的过多相似。
This Indenture made the sixth day of July in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and fifty seven Between William Bayly of Hollis Place Fulham Road Brompton ill the County of Middlesex Esquire of file one part and Henry Groves late of No. I51 Praed Street Paddington but now of NO. i6 King Street in the Parish of Saint James Westminster in the same County Coffee House Keeper of tile other part Witnesseth that in consideration of therent covenants and agreements hereinafter reserved and contained He the said William Bayly Doth by these presents demise and lease unto the said Henry Groves his executors administrators and assigns All that Messuage or Tenement situate and being NO. 16 King Street in the Parish of Saint James Westminster in the County of Middlesex Together with all yards ways paths passages lights easements waters watercourses privileges and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or therewith usually held and enjoyed together with the several fixtures and things specified m the Schedule to these presents To have and to Hold the said messuage or Tenement and premises with their appurtenances and fixtures and things unto the said Henry Groves his executors administrators and assigns from the twenty fifth day of March One thousand eight hundred and fifty six for the full end and term of thirteen Years and one half of another year from thence next ensuing Yielding and Paying therefore yearly and every year and so in proportion for any less time than a year during the said Term unto the said William Bayly his heirs and assigns the clear yearly rent or sum of Forty five pounds of lawful British money by four equal quarterly payments on the twenty ninth day of September the twenty fifth day of December the twenty fifth day of March and the twenty fourth clay of June in every year without any deduction or abatement on any account whatsoever (except for the Landlords Property or income tax) And the said Henry Groves doth hereby for. himself his heirs executors administrators and assigns covenant and agree with the said William Bayly his heirs and assigns That he the said Henry Groves his executors administrators and assigns shall and will during the said term hereby granted well and truly pay or cause to bepaid unto the said William Bayly his heirs or assigns the said yearly rent of Forty five pounds at the times and in the proportions hereinbefore mentioned and appointed for payment thereof And also shall and will bear pay and discharge the Land tax Sewers rate and all other rates taxes duties charges assessments and impositions whatsoever whether Parliamentary Parochial or
otherwise now rated taxed levied charged assessed imposed or which at any time during the said term shall be rated taxed levied charged assessed or imposed on the said Preunses or any part thereof or upon the Landlord or Tenant for the time being in respect thereof or on the rent hereby reserved(except for the Landlords Property or Income Tax) And also shall and will at all times during tile said term as often as need or occasion shall require at his and their own costs and charges well and substantially repair uphold support sustain mailltain poknt paint whitewash glaze tile lead slate pave cleanse empty amend and keep the said Mesutage or Tenement and premises and every part thereof and all party and other wails pavements privies sinks gutters drams pumps pipes cistelaas and other dungs in upon or about the same (accidents happening thereto by means of lire ondy excepted) And also shall and will in every third year of the said term at his slid their own proper costs and charges paint or cause to be painted in a workmanlike manner widl two coats of good oil and usual color all the outside wood and iron work of the said Premised And paint or cause to be painted all such parts of the inside of the smd premises as are usually painted and whitewash or color all such parts as are usually whitewashed or colored And tile same premises and things being so well and substantially repaired upheld supported sustained maintained pointed painted whitewashed glazed isled leaded slated paved cleansed emptied amended and kept as aforesaid together with all additions and improvements fixtures and things which shall during the said term be made fixed or fastened to the said Premises and particularly the several fixtures and things specified m the detemilnation of this demise peaceably and quiedy leave surrender and geld up unto the said William Bayly his heirs and assigns (accidents by fire as
aforesaid only excepted) And also that ii shall and may be lawful for the smd William Bayly his heirs and assigns and for his and their Agents and Surveyors with workmen or without at all seasonable times during the said term to enter into and upon the said Messuage or Tenement and premises or any part thereof to view the state and conditions thereof and of all wants of repair and
amendment which upon any such view shall be found to give or leave Notice in writing at or upon the said premises to or for the said Henry Groves his executors administrators or assigns to repair and amend the same and the said Henry Groves for himself bis executors administrators and assigns doth hereby covenant to repair and amend the same according to ally such Notice within the space of three Calendar Months next after the same shall have been so given or left as aforesaid (accidents by Fare as aforesaid only excepted) And further that be the said Henry Groves bls executors or administrators shall not nor will assign over this Indenture of Lease or the premises comprised therein grant any Underlease of the said Premises or any part thereof for all or any part of the term hereby granted to any person or persons without the consent in writing of the said William Bayly bls heirs or assigns under his or theis hand for that purpose first obtained (But it is hereby agreed that such consent shall not be arbitrarily withheld) And further that he the said Henry Groves his executors administrators or assigns shall not nor will during the said term hereby granted without first obtaining the consent thereto in writing of the said William Bayly his heirs or assigns cut maim or injure any of the main walls m'pnneipal timbers of the said Messuage or tenement and premises or make or permit to be made any alteratinn in the plan or construction of the said Premises nor without the like consent exercise or carry on or permit or suffer to be exercised or carrind on in or upon the said Premises or any par thereof the trade or business of all Eating House Coffee shop or Coffee House keeper Tobacco or Cigar Manufacturer or Seller Hotel Pubbc House or Beershop or use or suffer the said Premises to be used as or for a Gambling House or Bagnio or for the iodgmg reception or resort of Women of loose or immoral character or for feasting dancing or public entertainments or any noisy noxious or offenmve art trade business or calling whatsoever nor make or suffer to be made on the said Premises or any pair thereof any Auction or Public Sale of Household Goods or together effects nor do or suffer any act or thing which behalf to be observed performed and kept shall and may peaceably and quledy have hold use occupy and enjoy the said Messuage or Tenement and premises with their appurtenances during all the said term hereby granted without ally the lawful let suit eviction molestation or interruption of or by him the said William Bayly his heirs or assigns or any person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim by from through under or in trust for him or them
interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.
The Schedule above referred to
Front Attic A Stove Back Attic A Stove a Cupboard with 2 shelves a Cupboard with 3 shelves a spring bell on landing Second floor Front Room a stove a Cupboard with four shelves side of fire place a small ditto with two shelves Back Boom A Stove a Cupboard with four shelves side of fire place A Cupboard with three shelves left of door spring bell on Landing First Floor front Room A
Stove a Cupboard with five shelves right of fire left of fire place a do with three shelves left of fire place Back Room A Cupboard with four shelves left of door Shop A Stove a gas burner and pipe a cupboard with two shelves Parlour A Stove two Cupboards with six shelves side of fire place Scullery A Stone sink a 3" 4"' Dresser with three shelves over Dust bin m yard Front Kitchen A Stove Back kitchen An iron pot set in brick work a water butt on stand with tap and lead service pipe to ditto.
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