Boilerplate and contractual language: Pseudo-contract or blanket assent?

Abstract

Abstract In this article I analyze Kar and Radin’s critique of boilerplate text in contract. The problems identified in boilerplate are significant. I then describe the test that they offer to distinguish between proper contract and “pseudo-contract” in boilerplate. The test is constructed upon the use of Gricean Maxims slightly modified for the context of contract law. Next, Karl Llewellyn’s test for boilerplate is described. Ultimately, through the use of a couple of examples it is argued that Llewellyn’s test is a better option. Even with this result, much of the Kar and Radin critique of boilerplate is significant and valuable.