“Metaclausole”?
Abstract: Meta clauses – The paper investigates the proposed category of “meta clauses”— contractual provisions considered both accessory to and autonomous from the main contract, and thus capable of surviving its invalidity or termination. Through a detailed doctrinal and functional analysis of selected clauses (e.g., arbitration, jurisdiction, and confidentiality clauses), the study questions the internal coherence of the category and underscores the absence of a unifying legal rationale. Ultimately, the inquiry invites a broader reconsideration of the relationship between individual clauses and the contract as a whole.
Sommario: 1. La prospettiva. 2. La «metaclausola». 3. Considerazioni critiche. 4. Le figure: la clausola compromissoria. 5. (segue) La clausola di scelta della giurisdizione. 6. (segue) La deroga convenzionale alla competenza territoriale. 7. (segue) La c.d. clausola di mediazione. 8. (segue) La c.d. clausola di riservatezza. 9. (segue) L’elezione di domicilio. 10. (segue) La clausola sulle modalità di comunicazione. 11. Il preteso regime delle metaclausole. 12. L’irrisolto problema dogmatico delle metaclausole.
Keywords: Contract — Contractual provision — Accessory versus autonomy nature.
