Legal Definitions - conflict

Conflict refers to a disagreement or difference between laws of different states or countries in a case where a transaction or occurrence central to the case has a connection to two or more jurisdictions. It is also known as conflict of laws.

• A person living in one state gets into a car accident while driving in another state. The laws of both states may apply, and there may be a conflict of laws.
• A company based in one country enters into a contract with a company based in another country. If a dispute arises, the laws of both countries may apply, and there may be a conflict of laws.

These examples illustrate how a conflict of laws can arise when there are differences between the laws of different states or countries in a case.

The body of jurisprudence that undertakes to reconcile such differences or to decide what law is to govern in these situations is known as the principles of choice of law. It is also known as private international law or international private law.

Overall, conflict of laws is an important concept in legal systems that helps to determine which laws apply in cases where there are differences between the laws of different states or countries.