Abstract

RIANO SAAD, Anabel. Proportionality and Protection of the Guarantor in French Law. Rev. Derecho Privado [online]. 2012, n.22, pp.299-320. ISSN 0123-4366.

Proportionality has influenced French law in its integrity including the field of warranties. One of the main objectives of proportionality in this particular area is to protect the personal guarantor against the possible risk of over-indebtedness caused by an excessive guarantee. The proportionality requirement has its origins in consumer law but it has expanded to the field of warranties. Thus, the protection of the guarantor is to be valid to the extent that it does not affect the position of the creditor. This was the position adopted by French case-law in the past. However, according to the current French legal system, proportionality is now misconceived and it is being applied to the detriment of the creditor. Thus, French scholars are wondering whether to return to the previous system could be a good idea to achieve the desired balance between the interests of the creditor and the guarantor.

Keywords : warranties; proportionality; personal guarantor; over-indebtedness; excessive guarantee; French law.

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