Delaware § 5-116 - Choice of law and forum.
Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 5-116 — Choice of law and forum., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5-116. Choice of law and forum.
(a) The liability of an issuer, nominated person, or adviser for action or omission is governed by the law of the jurisdiction chosen by an agreement in the form of a record signed by the affected parties or by a provision in the person’s letter of credit, confirmation, or other undertaking. The jurisdiction whose law is chosen need not bear any relation to the transaction.
(b) Unless subsection (a) applies, the liability of an issuer, nominated person, or adviser for action or omission is governed by the law of the jurisdiction in which the person is located. The person is considered to be located at the address indicated in the person’s undertaking. If more than one address is indicated, the person is considered to be located at the address from which the person’s undertaking was issued.
(c) For the purpose of jurisdiction, choice of law, and recognition of interbranch letters of credit, but not enforcement of a judgment, all branches of a bank are considered separate juridical entities and a bank is considered to be located at the place where its relevant branch is considered to be located under subsection (d).
(d) A branch of a bank is considered to be located at the address indicated in the branch’s undertaking. If more than 1 address is indicated, the branch is considered to be located at the address from which the undertaking was issued.
(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the liability of an issuer, nominated person, or adviser is governed by any rules of custom or practice, such as the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, to which the letter of credit, confirmation, or other undertaking is expressly made subject. If (i) this Article would govern the liability of an issuer, nominated person, or adviser under subsection (a) or (b), (ii) the relevant undertaking incorporates rules of custom or practice, and (iii) there is conflict between this Article and those rules as applied to that undertaking, those rules govern except to the extent of any conflict with the non-variable provisions specified in Section 5-103(c).
(f) If there is conflict between this Article and Article 3, 4, 4A, or 9, this Article governs.
(g) The forum for settling disputes arising out of an undertaking within this Article may be chosen in the manner and with the binding effect that governing law may be chosen in accordance with subsection (a).
71 Del. Laws, c. 393, § 1; 84 Del. Laws, c. 174, § 34;Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 5-116
What does Delaware Code § 5-116 cover?
Section 5-116 ("Choice of law and forum.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Delaware § 5-116?
A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 5-116" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Delaware law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.
How does Delaware § 5-116 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.