diff --git a/contracts/src/main/java/com/r3corda/contracts/JavaCommercialPaper.java b/contracts/src/main/java/com/r3corda/contracts/JavaCommercialPaper.java
index d986eb1130..b2a1997354 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/java/com/r3corda/contracts/JavaCommercialPaper.java
+++ b/contracts/src/main/java/com/r3corda/contracts/JavaCommercialPaper.java
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ public class JavaCommercialPaper implements Contract {
             }
         }
 
-        class Move extends ConcreteClause<State, Commands, State> {
+        class Move extends Clause<State, Commands, State> {
             @NotNull
             @Override
             public Set<Class<? extends CommandData>> getRequiredCommands() {
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ public class JavaCommercialPaper implements Contract {
             }
         }
 
-        class Redeem extends ConcreteClause<State, Commands, State> {
+        class Redeem extends Clause<State, Commands, State> {
             @NotNull
             @Override
             public Set<Class<? extends CommandData>> getRequiredCommands() {
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ public class JavaCommercialPaper implements Contract {
             }
         }
 
-        class Issue extends ConcreteClause<State, Commands, State> {
+        class Issue extends Clause<State, Commands, State> {
             @NotNull
             @Override
             public Set<Class<? extends CommandData>> getRequiredCommands() {
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/CommercialPaper.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/CommercialPaper.kt
index a224844b11..21e61320d2 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/CommercialPaper.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/CommercialPaper.kt
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ class CommercialPaper : Contract {
             }
         }
 
-        class Move: ConcreteClause<State, Commands, Issued<Terms>>() {
+        class Move: Clause<State, Commands, Issued<Terms>>() {
             override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = setOf(Commands.Move::class.java)
 
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ class CommercialPaper : Contract {
             }
         }
 
-        class Redeem(): ConcreteClause<State, Commands, Issued<Terms>>() {
+        class Redeem(): Clause<State, Commands, Issued<Terms>>() {
             override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = setOf(Commands.Redeem::class.java)
 
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/IRS.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/IRS.kt
index af3d33c827..eeac0c81ed 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/IRS.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/IRS.kt
@@ -454,7 +454,7 @@ class InterestRateSwap() : Contract {
          * Common superclass for IRS contract clauses, which defines behaviour on match/no-match, and provides
          * helper functions for the clauses.
          */
-        abstract class AbstractIRSClause : ConcreteClause<State, Commands, UniqueIdentifier>() {
+        abstract class AbstractIRSClause : Clause<State, Commands, UniqueIdentifier>() {
             // These functions may make more sense to use for basket types, but for now let's leave them here
             fun checkLegDates(legs: List<CommonLeg>) {
                 requireThat {
@@ -502,7 +502,7 @@ class InterestRateSwap() : Contract {
                 = tx.groupStates() { state -> state.linearId }
         }
 
-        class Timestamped : ConcreteClause<ContractState, Commands, Unit>() {
+        class Timestamped : Clause<ContractState, Commands, Unit>() {
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                                 inputs: List<ContractState>,
                                 outputs: List<ContractState>,
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/asset/Obligation.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/asset/Obligation.kt
index 217a9bccb9..8dca61e63c 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/asset/Obligation.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/asset/Obligation.kt
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ class Obligation<P> : Contract {
         /**
          * Obligation-specific clause for changing the lifecycle of one or more states.
          */
-        class SetLifecycle<P> : ConcreteClause<State<P>, Commands, Issued<Terms<P>>>() {
+        class SetLifecycle<P> : Clause<State<P>, Commands, Issued<Terms<P>>>() {
             override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = setOf(Commands.SetLifecycle::class.java)
 
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ class Obligation<P> : Contract {
          * Obligation-specific clause for settling an outstanding obligation by witnessing
          * change of ownership of other states to fulfil
          */
-        class Settle<P> : ConcreteClause<State<P>, Commands, Issued<Terms<P>>>() {
+        class Settle<P> : Clause<State<P>, Commands, Issued<Terms<P>>>() {
             override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = setOf(Commands.Settle::class.java)
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                                 inputs: List<State<P>>,
@@ -199,7 +199,7 @@ class Obligation<P> : Contract {
          * any lifecycle change clause, which is the only clause that involve
          * non-standard lifecycle states on input/output.
          */
-        class VerifyLifecycle<S: ContractState, C: CommandData, T: Any, P> : ConcreteClause<S, C, T>() {
+        class VerifyLifecycle<S: ContractState, C: CommandData, T: Any, P> : Clause<S, C, T>() {
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                                 inputs: List<S>,
                                 outputs: List<S>,
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractConserveAmount.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractConserveAmount.kt
index 963e44ff27..cd3bd528b2 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractConserveAmount.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractConserveAmount.kt
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.InsufficientBalanceException
 import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.sumFungibleOrNull
 import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.sumFungibleOrZero
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.*
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.ConcreteClause
+import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.Clause
 import com.r3corda.core.crypto.Party
 import java.security.PublicKey
 import java.util.*
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ import java.util.*
  * Move command is provided, and errors if absent. Must be the last clause under a grouping clause;
  * errors on no-match, ends on match.
  */
-abstract class AbstractConserveAmount<S : FungibleAsset<T>, C : CommandData, T : Any> : ConcreteClause<S, C, Issued<T>>() {
+abstract class AbstractConserveAmount<S : FungibleAsset<T>, C : CommandData, T : Any> : Clause<S, C, Issued<T>>() {
     /**
      * Gather assets from the given list of states, sufficient to match or exceed the given amount.
      *
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractIssue.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractIssue.kt
index ee5b28089a..ecd3300083 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractIssue.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/AbstractIssue.kt
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 package com.r3corda.contracts.clause
 
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.*
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.ConcreteClause
+import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.Clause
 
 /**
  * Standard issue clause for contracts that issue fungible assets.
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.ConcreteClause
 abstract class AbstractIssue<in S: ContractState, C: CommandData, T: Any>(
         val sum: List<S>.() -> Amount<Issued<T>>,
         val sumOrZero: List<S>.(token: Issued<T>) -> Amount<Issued<T>>
-) : ConcreteClause<S, C, Issued<T>>() {
+) : Clause<S, C, Issued<T>>() {
     override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                         inputs: List<S>,
                         outputs: List<S>,
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/Net.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/Net.kt
index d67f7be52e..674150aa61 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/Net.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/Net.kt
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.Obligation
 import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.extractAmountsDue
 import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.sumAmountsDue
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.*
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.ConcreteClause
+import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.Clause
 import java.security.PublicKey
 
 /**
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ data class MultilateralNetState<P>(
  * Clause for netting contract states. Currently only supports obligation contract.
  */
 // TODO: Make this usable for any nettable contract states
-open class NetClause<C: CommandData, P> : ConcreteClause<ContractState, C, Unit>() {
+open class NetClause<C: CommandData, P> : Clause<ContractState, C, Unit>() {
     override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = setOf(Obligation.Commands.Net::class.java)
 
     @Suppress("ConvertLambdaToReference")
diff --git a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/NoZeroSizedOutputs.kt b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/NoZeroSizedOutputs.kt
index ef59c4bd9c..f214587c89 100644
--- a/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/NoZeroSizedOutputs.kt
+++ b/contracts/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/contracts/clause/NoZeroSizedOutputs.kt
@@ -2,13 +2,13 @@ package com.r3corda.contracts.clause
 
 import com.r3corda.contracts.asset.FungibleAsset
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.*
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.ConcreteClause
+import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.Clause
 
 /**
  * Clause for fungible asset contracts, which enforces that no output state should have
  * a balance of zero.
  */
-open class NoZeroSizedOutputs<in S : FungibleAsset<T>, C : CommandData, T : Any> : ConcreteClause<S, C, Issued<T>>() {
+open class NoZeroSizedOutputs<in S : FungibleAsset<T>, C : CommandData, T : Any> : Clause<S, C, Issued<T>>() {
     override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                         inputs: List<S>,
                         outputs: List<S>,
diff --git a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/Structures.kt b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/Structures.kt
index 34b5fc60af..b8c949a97c 100644
--- a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/Structures.kt
+++ b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/Structures.kt
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 package com.r3corda.core.contracts
 
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.ConcreteClause
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses.Clause
 import com.r3corda.core.crypto.Party
 import com.r3corda.core.crypto.SecureHash
@@ -218,7 +217,7 @@ interface LinearState: ContractState {
     /**
      * Standard clause to verify the LinearState safety properties.
      */
-    class ClauseVerifier<S : LinearState>(val stateClass: Class<S>) : ConcreteClause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
+    class ClauseVerifier<S : LinearState>(val stateClass: Class<S>) : Clause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
         override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                             inputs: List<ContractState>,
                             outputs: List<ContractState>,
diff --git a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/Clause.kt b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/Clause.kt
index 3b3072f695..a9060090c6 100644
--- a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/Clause.kt
+++ b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/Clause.kt
@@ -7,22 +7,28 @@ import com.r3corda.core.contracts.TransactionForContract
 import com.r3corda.core.utilities.loggerFor
 
 /**
+ * A clause of a contract, containing a chunk of verification logic. That logic may be delegated to other clauses, or
+ * provided directly by this clause.
+ *
  * @param S the type of contract state this clause operates on.
  * @param C a common supertype of commands this clause operates on.
  * @param K the type of the grouping key for states this clause operates on. Use [Unit] if not applicable.
+ *
+ * @see CompositeClause
  */
-interface Clause<in S : ContractState, C: CommandData, in K : Any> {
+abstract class Clause<in S : ContractState, C : CommandData, in K : Any> {
     companion object {
         val log = loggerFor<Clause<*, *, *>>()
     }
 
     /** Determine whether this clause runs or not */
-    val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>>
+    open val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = emptySet()
 
     /**
      * Determine the subclauses which will be verified as a result of verifying this clause.
      */
-    fun getExecutionPath(commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>): List<Clause<*, *, *>>
+    open fun getExecutionPath(commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>): List<Clause<*, *, *>>
+            = listOf(this)
 
     /**
      * Verify the transaction matches the conditions from this clause. For example, a "no zero amount output" clause
@@ -45,11 +51,11 @@ interface Clause<in S : ContractState, C: CommandData, in K : Any> {
      * commands that were not required (for example the Exit command for fungible assets is optional).
      */
     @Throws(IllegalStateException::class)
-    fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
-               inputs: List<S>,
-               outputs: List<S>,
-               commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>,
-               groupingKey: K?): Set<C>
+    abstract fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
+                        inputs: List<S>,
+                        outputs: List<S>,
+                        commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>,
+                        groupingKey: K?): Set<C>
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/CompositeClause.kt b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/CompositeClause.kt
index 90e2a3cb8f..f8a0bca4c6 100644
--- a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/CompositeClause.kt
+++ b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/CompositeClause.kt
@@ -6,13 +6,10 @@ import com.r3corda.core.contracts.ContractState
 
 /**
  * Abstract supertype for clauses which compose other clauses together in some logical manner.
- *
- * @see ConcreteClause
  */
-abstract class CompositeClause<in S : ContractState, C: CommandData, in K : Any>: Clause<S, C, K> {
+abstract class CompositeClause<in S : ContractState, C: CommandData, in K : Any>: Clause<S, C, K>() {
     /** List of clauses under this composite clause */
     abstract val clauses: List<Clause<S, C, K>>
-    override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = emptySet()
     override fun getExecutionPath(commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>): List<Clause<*, *, *>>
             = matchedClauses(commands).flatMap { it.getExecutionPath(commands) }
     /** Determine which clauses are matched by the supplied commands */
diff --git a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ConcreteClause.kt b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ConcreteClause.kt
deleted file mode 100644
index 65d85a3a85..0000000000
--- a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ConcreteClause.kt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,17 +0,0 @@
-package com.r3corda.core.contracts.clauses
-
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.AuthenticatedObject
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.CommandData
-import com.r3corda.core.contracts.ContractState
-
-/**
- * Abstract supertype for clauses which provide their own verification logic, rather than delegating to subclauses.
- * By default these clauses are always matched (they have no required commands).
- *
- * @see CompositeClause
- */
-abstract class ConcreteClause<in S : ContractState, C: CommandData, in T : Any>: Clause<S, C, T> {
-    override fun getExecutionPath(commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>): List<Clause<*, *, *>>
-        = listOf(this)
-    override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = emptySet()
-}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/GroupClauseVerifier.kt b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/GroupClauseVerifier.kt
index 750233c7f1..d2af7c43cb 100644
--- a/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/GroupClauseVerifier.kt
+++ b/core/src/main/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/GroupClauseVerifier.kt
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import com.r3corda.core.contracts.ContractState
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.TransactionForContract
 import java.util.*
 
-abstract class GroupClauseVerifier<S : ContractState, C : CommandData, K : Any>(val clause: Clause<S, C, K>) : ConcreteClause<ContractState, C, Unit>() {
+abstract class GroupClauseVerifier<S : ContractState, C : CommandData, K : Any>(val clause: Clause<S, C, K>) : Clause<ContractState, C, Unit>() {
     abstract fun groupStates(tx: TransactionForContract): List<TransactionForContract.InOutGroup<S, K>>
 
     override fun getExecutionPath(commands: List<AuthenticatedObject<C>>): List<Clause<*, *, *>>
diff --git a/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ClauseTestUtils.kt b/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ClauseTestUtils.kt
index ae8e4618ed..eaded6c2e0 100644
--- a/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ClauseTestUtils.kt
+++ b/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/ClauseTestUtils.kt
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ import com.r3corda.core.contracts.ContractState
 import com.r3corda.core.contracts.TransactionForContract
 import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicInteger
 
-internal fun matchedClause(counter: AtomicInteger? = null) = object : ConcreteClause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
+internal fun matchedClause(counter: AtomicInteger? = null) = object : Clause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
     override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                         inputs: List<ContractState>,
                         outputs: List<ContractState>,
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ internal fun matchedClause(counter: AtomicInteger? = null) = object : ConcreteCl
 }
 
 /** A clause that can never be matched */
-internal fun unmatchedClause(counter: AtomicInteger? = null) = object : ConcreteClause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
+internal fun unmatchedClause(counter: AtomicInteger? = null) = object : Clause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
     override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>> = setOf(object: CommandData {}.javaClass)
     override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                         inputs: List<ContractState>,
diff --git a/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/VerifyClausesTests.kt b/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/VerifyClausesTests.kt
index e8b108b980..53a3c267f3 100644
--- a/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/VerifyClausesTests.kt
+++ b/core/src/test/kotlin/com/r3corda/core/contracts/clauses/VerifyClausesTests.kt
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ class VerifyClausesTests {
     /** Very simple check that the function doesn't error when given any clause */
     @Test
     fun minimal() {
-        val clause = object : ConcreteClause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
+        val clause = object : Clause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                                 inputs: List<ContractState>,
                                 outputs: List<ContractState>,
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class VerifyClausesTests {
 
     @Test
     fun errorSuperfluousCommands() {
-        val clause = object : ConcreteClause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
+        val clause = object : Clause<ContractState, CommandData, Unit>() {
             override fun verify(tx: TransactionForContract,
                                 inputs: List<ContractState>,
                                 outputs: List<ContractState>,
diff --git a/docs/source/tutorial-contract-clauses.rst b/docs/source/tutorial-contract-clauses.rst
index 325fcc437c..895ff0d964 100644
--- a/docs/source/tutorial-contract-clauses.rst
+++ b/docs/source/tutorial-contract-clauses.rst
@@ -64,10 +64,10 @@ Clauses
 -------
 
 We'll tackle the inner clauses that contain the bulk of the verification logic, first, and the clause which handles
-grouping of input/output states later. The clauses must implement the ``Clause`` interface, which defines
+grouping of input/output states later. The clauses must extend the ``Clause`` abstract class, which defines
 the ``verify`` function, and the ``requiredCommands`` property used to determine the conditions under which a clause
-is triggered. Normally clauses would extend ``ConcreteClause`` which provides defaults suitable for a clause which
-verifies transactions, rather than delegating to other clauses.
+is triggered. Composite clauses should extend the ``CompositeClause`` abstract class, which extends ``Clause`` to
+add support for wrapping around multiple clauses.
 
 The ``verify`` function defined in the ``Clause`` interface is similar to the conventional ``Contract`` verification
 function, although it adds new parameters and returns the set of commands which it has processed. Normally this returned
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ The ``Move`` clause for the commercial paper contract is relatively simple, so w
 
    .. sourcecode:: kotlin
 
-        class Move: ConcreteClause<State, Commands, Issued<Terms>>() {
+        class Move: Clause<State, Commands, Issued<Terms>>() {
             override val requiredCommands: Set<Class<out CommandData>>
                 get() = setOf(Commands.Move::class.java)
 
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ The ``Move`` clause for the commercial paper contract is relatively simple, so w
 
    .. sourcecode:: java
 
-        class Move extends ConcreteClause<State, Commands, State> {
+        class Move extends Clause<State, Commands, State> {
             @NotNull
             @Override
             public Set<Class<? extends CommandData>> getRequiredCommands() {