이행청구권에 관한 비교법적 연구

Abstract

A Comparative Study on the Right to Require PerformanceByung-Mun LeeThis study primarily concerns the right to require performance which is known as a process whereby the obligee obtains as nearly as possible the actual subject-matter of his bargain, as opposed to compensation in money for failing to obtain it. It is recognized in the civil law as a right available in the event of the obligor’s breach of contract so that if the obligee applies for a judgement for performance, the court is bound to grant him a judgement forcing the seller to perform what the seller has undertaken under the contract. In contrast, granting specific performance under English law is a remedy which is not treated as a right of the obligee who is aggrieved by the obligor’s breach, but as an equitable remedy whose exercise is left to the discretion of the court. In general, English courts are very reluctant to decree specific performance of contracts because of the rivalry between the courts of common law and equity and the reluctance to use the process of contempt of court, and such performance is granted in very limited circumstances. Having recognized the differences, the study describes and analyzes the rules on the remedy of specific performance under English law in comparison to those under PICC and Korean law. It also attempts to evaluate them in light of the discipline of Law and Economics.