Contract Interpretation Principles
When parties disagree about what a contract means, the answer comes from established interpretation rules rather than from what either intended. This course covers how contracts are actually read.
Course outline
What this programme covers, module by module.
- 01What a contract means when the parties disagree
- 02Objective interpretation and the reasonable reader
- 03Ordinary meaning, context and business common sense
- 04Ambiguity, inconsistency and order of precedence
- 05Surrounding circumstances and their limits
- 06Exclusion and limitation clauses and how they are read
- 07Drafting to avoid the ambiguities that cause disputes
What you will gain
- Explain how contracts are interpreted objectively
- Apply the ordinary meaning and context
- Handle ambiguity and inconsistent provisions
- Understand the limits on using surrounding circumstances
- Apply rules governing exclusion and limitation clauses
- Draft to avoid the ambiguities that cause disputes
Who should attend
- Legal and contracts professionals
- Commercial and procurement managers
- Project managers handling contract disputes
- Company secretarial staff
Upcoming sessions
| Date | City | Duration | Fees | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 to 27 Oct 2026 | Johannesburg | 2 Days | R10,000 | |
| 9 to 10 Nov 2026 | London | 2 Days | US$1,100 | |
| 23 to 24 Nov 2026 | Dubai | 2 Days | US$1,100 | |
| 11 to 12 Jan 2027 | Pretoria | 2 Days | R10,000 | |
| 8 to 9 Feb 2027 | Durban | 2 Days | R10,000 | |
| 5 to 6 Apr 2027 | Cape Town | 2 Days | R10,000 | |
| 14 to 15 Jun 2027 | Johannesburg | 2 Days | R10,000 |
Fees are per delegate and exclude VAT. Public intakes are confirmed once minimum numbers are met. We also deliver this course on your own schedule, in-house or live online.
Enquire about this course
Register your team or ask for a tailored in-house quote. We reply within one working day.
WhatsApp usCourse brochure (PDF)- Fees from
- R10,000 per delegate
- Duration
- 2 Days
- Field
- Legal, Contracts & Compliance
- Formats
- In-house, public, online
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