Also known as:U.C.C. § 1-203 · UCC 1-203 · U.C.C. 1-203 · good faith · obligation of good faith
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A statutory obligation requiring parties to contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code to perform and enforce their agreements in good faith. The obligation supplies a standard for evaluating conduct but does not by itself create an independent cause of action.
Sources & Authorities· 37 primary sources
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Cases
Statutes
Federal Rules
Uniform Acts
Model Codes
Common Law
Restatements
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Mortgage Acceleration After Default
Urban Logistics missed two installment payments on its mortgage with Ultimate Solutions. The lender declared the full balance due and began foreclosure proceedings. Because the lender acted on a legitimate default without any indication of improper motive, its acceleration decision satisfied the good faith standard and permitted the foreclosure to proceed.
Corporate Deposition Designation
Umbra Technologies received a deposition notice describing five specific topics. The company promptly conferred with the requesting party and designated two officers to testify on the listed matters. The designations reflected a good faith effort to supply information known or reasonably available to the organization.
Derivative Suit Dismissal Motion
Ugo Ucelli filed a derivative action against Ultimate Solutions. The board formed a committee of qualified directors that conducted an inquiry and concluded in good faith that continued litigation was not in the corporation's best interests. The court dismissed the suit on the basis of that determination.
Attorney Advice on Client Conduct
Ulysses Usher asked his lawyer whether a proposed transaction would violate securities laws. The lawyer explained the legal consequences and helped the client structure the deal to comply with the law. The lawyer's conduct remained within the bounds of permissible assistance because it reflected a good faith effort to determine the law's application.
Reporter Grand Jury Testimony
Ursula Upton, a journalist, received a grand jury subpoena seeking her confidential source. She appeared and answered questions after the prosecutor assured her the inquiry was conducted in good faith. The absence of any constitutional privilege required her to testify.
Foreclosure Process Compliance
Uri Underwood defaulted on a home loan held by Upstream Petroleum. The lender proceeded with foreclosure while maintaining complete records and providing all required notices. Its actions throughout the process satisfied the obligation to act in good faith.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
6
Does UCC § 1-203 create an independent cause of action?+
No. The section imposes an obligation of good faith in the performance and enforcement of contracts but does not authorize a separate claim for its breach standing alone.
How does the good faith obligation affect a party's right to accelerate a debt?+
A party may accelerate only when a default has occurred and the decision is made in good faith. Courts examine whether the acceleration was motivated by a legitimate concern rather than an improper purpose.
What must a corporation show when designating witnesses under a deposition notice?
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The organization must confer in good faith about the matters for examination and designate persons who can testify about information known or reasonably available to the entity.
When may a court dismiss a derivative proceeding based on a board determination?+
Dismissal is proper when a qualified group makes a good faith determination after a reasonable inquiry that maintaining the suit is not in the corporation's best interests.
What limits does good faith place on a lawyer advising a client?+
A lawyer may not assist conduct the lawyer knows is criminal or fraudulent but may discuss legal consequences and help the client determine the law's meaning or application in good faith.
Does good faith require a reporter to testify before a grand jury?+
Yes. A reporter must appear and testify when the grand jury investigation is conducted in good faith. No constitutional privilege allows refusal to disclose sources under those circumstances.
good faith
of the people. Bonds of men whose ability to pay their debts was unquestionable could not be negotiated except at a discount of thirty, forty, or fifty per cent. Real property could be sold…
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