Unconscionable Conduct

Book excerpt: Unconscionable Conduct - The Laws of Australia (2nd Edition) provides revised and up-to-date analysis of estoppel, duress, undue influence, misrepresentation, unconscionability, unconscionable dealing and now includes commentary on the principles of equitable mistake by Professor JLR Davis. In so doing, it offers practitioners a unique and in-depth understanding of the equitable, legal and legislative grounds upon which commercial transactions may be set aside for unfair conduct. The 1st edition was praised as a "highly reliable book [that] will earn its place on the shelf of any practitioner in the area" (ACT Law Society - Ethos, 2006) and "a superb and, especially given the qualifications of its many original and updating authors, an authoritative reference book" (Trade Practices Law Journal, 2006). This new edition covers the latest developments in case law such as the New South Wales Court of Appeal's decision on duress in Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd v Karam (2005) 64 NSWLR 149 and its application in Maher v Honeysett and Maher Electrical Contractors Pty Ltd [2007] NSWSC 12; discussion of the relationship between contract and estoppel in Donis v Donis [2007] VSCA 89 and Barnes v Alderton [2008] NSWSC 107; and the implications of the Victorian Court of Appeal decision in Accurate Financial Consultants Pty Ltd v Koko Black Pty Ltd (2008) 66 ACSR 325. Also considered are new legislative developments such as those affecting independent contractor relationships under the Independent Contractors Act 2006 (Cth) and the statutory extension of unconscionable conduct under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic). This material is also published as part of Titles 7 "Contract: General Principles" and 35 "Unfair Dealing" of The Laws of Australia legal encyclopaedia.