Ketola, Anne, Robert de Rooy & Helena Haapio (2024): Comic Contracts 2.0 – Contracts That Have (And Give) A Voice. In: Rossana Ducato, Alain Strowel & Enguerrand Marique (eds.) Design(s) for Law, 167-204. Milan: Ledizioni.
Abstract
Composite Comic Contracts are the next iteration of contract design, building on
the development of legally binding visual contracts, known as Comic Contracts.
Making contracts and contractual rights digitally accessible and understandable
affords agency and access to justice for the cognitively vulnerable. We describe the
creative and contracting processes and discuss the benefits and challenges from a
cognitive-linguistic perspective and from a Proactive Contracting legal and inter-
pretive perspective. By enhancing engagement, comprehension and retention of
information, Composite Comic Contracts provide the essential preconditions for
cognitive accessibility and the success of any contractual relationship with cogni-
tively vulnerable people. We argue that elusive legal certainty on potential legal
interpretive issues should not be a barrier to legal innovation and legal design.
Composite Comic Contracts are not only contracts that have a voice, but also ones
that give a voice.