EN
This article examines the legal relationship between contractual penalties and compensation for damages in commercial law. It explores how contracting parties can negotiate terms to determine liability and financial consequences in the event of contractual breaches. The study highlights key aspects of contractual freedom and the legal limitations on damage claims. A particular focus is given to the lump-sum nature of contractual penalties and their function as a risk-mitigation tool in business transactions. The article also discusses the enforceability of contractual penalty clauses in Slovak commercial law and their compatibility with broader principles of contractual justice.