Market Power and Competition Law

Subject LAWS70029 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 7 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: The total class time is between 24 and 26 hours.
Total Time Commitment: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Prerequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Corequisites: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Non Allowed Subjects: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Core Participation Requirements: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.

Contact

For the most up-to-date information about this subject, contact the Melbourne Law Masters Office by email at law-masters@unimelb.edu.au or phone 8344 6190 or alternatively visit the subject website: www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject provides an examination of the law and economic theory relating to the regulation of market power under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth). It offers current examples relating to the practical application of legal and economic principles to industries in which market power issues have arisen.

Principal topics will include:

  • Section 46 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) and related provisions
  • What is market power and when does it arise
  • Legal principles and economic theory
  • Measurements of market power
  • The relationship between section 46 and the access regime under Parts IIIA and XIC
  • Recent amendments to predatory pricing provisions and ongoing reform agendas
  • Strategic behaviour and section 46
  • Structural remedies and market design issues
  • Industry case studies such as telecommunications, supermarkets and aviation.
Objectives:

A student who has successfully completed this subject should:

  • Understand the current law on section 46 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) on misuse of market power
  • Understand the legal and economic theory behind the concepts of market power and abuse of market power
  • Be informed as to recent reforms and why they have arisen
  • Be able to apply section 46 in a commercial context.
Assessment:
  • Online skills exercise, due in week 6 (Hurdle)
  • 1,000-word assignment, due in week 6 (20%)
  • Two-hour open-book written examination, scheduled during the exam period (80%)
Prescribed Texts: Visit the subject website for more information
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Visit the Melbourne Law Masters website for more information about this subject.
Links to further information: http://www.masters.law.unimelb.edu.au/

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