For centuries, bills of exchange, cheques, and promissory notes ('negotiable instruments') have played a vital role in the smooth operation of domestic and international commerce. The payment mechanisms have been subject to rapid technological progress and law has needed to adapt and respond to ensure that the legal framework remains relevant and effective.
This book provides a comprehensive and thorough analysis of the question of applicable law to negotiable instruments. Given significant differences in the treatment of important issues under the laws governing negotiable instruments of the various jurisdictions, the question of applicable law plays a key role in contemporary commerce. Resolution of such issues frequently has cross-border dimensions, affecting residents from different countries, and meeting the needs of commerce as it rapidly moves towards an online mode of communication and documentation. To such ends, the book elaborates on the conceptual underpinnings of negotiable instruments law, provides an overview of the key differences between the systems in this area of law and contemplates the question of applicable law.