論情事變更原則下重新協商義務之建構

On Construction of Obligation to Re-Negotiate when Circumstances Change

基於契約自由與自我拘束及自我負責之精神，當事人應受所締結契約內容的拘束，無法任意為事後變更，不過，情事變更原則的適用，係一例外，被認為是基於誠信原則對法律關係的再次變動，以利契約正義的實現，而對契約神聖原則加以突破。我國民法第227條之2對此原則予以明文，並將法律關係的再調整，委由法官依職權為公平裁量，由法院訴訟為直接的介入，然因契約的調整或解除，並非易事。本於私法自治精神，如果能夠督促當事人協商調整的話，不僅可在程序上確保私法自治的實現，同時也可減少法院的負擔。學說上提出「重新協商義務」作為情事變更時的首要法律效力，而新近的一些立法建議，如國際商事契約通則、歐洲契約法原則、以及歐洲民法典共同參考架構草案，也都將此一制度精神納入。從鼓勵自行解決私權爭執的立場，重新協商義務可以督促當事人協商以創造合意解決紛爭的機會，因此，在情事變更規定中引入重新協商義務，在制度上有肯認的價值，值得採納。

The contracting parties should not willful change the content of concluded contract, because of self-binding and self-responsibility resulting from freedom for contract. Principle of change of circumstances, however, is the exception, which results in reviewing the legal relationship based on good faith in order to materialize contract justice and is considered as a breaking of sanctity of contract. The same rule in section 227-1 of Civil Code gives judge the power to adapt the contract upon his fair discretion. It is a difficult mission for court to adapt or terminate a contract. Therefore, if the parties could carry out the adaption of contract through negotiation by themselves, the private autonomy could be ensured and the burden of court could be reduced. The obligation of re-negotiation is addressed as a primary legal effect when circumstances change. The newly legislative proposals, such as Principles of International Commercial Contracts, Principles of European Contract Law, Draft Common Frame of Reference, recommend the codification of this obligation. The obligation of re-negotiation, which could urge parties to negotiate the adaption of contract and create a chance to resolve disputes out of court, is worthy to be provided in Civil Law.