General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Governing law

The governing law clause states which legal system applies to the contract — for example the law of England and Wales, or Scots law. It decides how the contract is interpreted and enforced.

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

In more detail

It is separate from jurisdiction, which is about which courts hear disputes.

In Scotland

England and Wales and Scotland are separate legal systems, so a contract should always say which law governs it.

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.