General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Good faith

English law has no general duty of good faith in commercial contracts, but courts will enforce an express obligation to act in good faith and may imply one in long-term relational contracts.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

Because the meaning is uncertain, parties who want it should say what it requires in practice.

In Scotland

Scots law recognises good faith as an underlying principle of contract law, although it is not a free-standing duty.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.