《民法典》情事变更制度适用研究

On the Application of the Change of Situation Rule in“The Civil Code”

情事变更源于《优士丁尼法学阶梯》中的“情事不变条款”理论,目的在于修正合同严守原则下的显失公平问题,历经发展终在20世纪的三次社会巨变中被确立为债法之重要原则,并为我国所借鉴。适用《民法典》第533条规定的情事变更必须同时满足客观、时间、结果和程序等四个方面的条件,法院或仲裁机构在适用过程中必须注重不可抗力及商业风险与情事变更的界分,准确适用情事变更。此外,法院和仲裁机构在适用情事变更时还应注意以下问题:磋商义务的履行是适用的前置条件;适用不再需要履行审核程序;应当优先考虑变更合同,仅在合同变更无法解决问题时方可解除合同;不利方因情事变更中止合同履行的不承担违约责任。

The change of circumstances originates from the theory of“the unchangeable clause of circumstances”in“Institutiones Iustinianorum”.The purpose is to correct the obvious unfairness under the principle of strict adherence to contracts.After development,it has finally been established as an important principle of debt law in the three social changes of the 20th century,and has been used for reference by our country.The application of the change of circumstances stipulated in article 533 of“The Civil Code”must meet the four conditions of objectivity,time,result and procedure at the same time.The court or arbitration institution must pay attention to the distinction between force majeure,commercial risk and change of circumstances in the process of application,and accurately apply the change of circumstances.In addition,the courts and arbitration institutions should also pay attention to the following issues when applying the change of circumstances.The performance of the obligation of consultation is the precondition of application,The audit procedure is no longer required for application.Priority should be given to changing the contract,and the contract can be terminated only when the change of the contract cannot solve the problem.If the unfavorable party suspends the performance of the contract due to changes in circumstances,it shall not be liable for breach of contract.