Legal Issues for Accountants

Subject 306-686 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - 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

Semester 2, - 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: Two 2-hour seminars per week (Semester 1, Semester 2).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Subject Overview: Topics include nature, function and organisation of law and legal materials; how law is made, administered and enforced; sources of law; contract law; the creation and performance of legally enforceable agreements; breach of contract; remedies for breach; tort law, liability for wrongful harm caused by negligent misstatements; how liability in tort arises; criminal law; liability for conduct prohibited and penalised by law; elements of criminal liability; legal issues governing the formation, regulation and termination of companies; analyses the internal controls on company management and their effect upon outsiders; and regulation of the raising of capital and the securities markets.
Assessment: A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (60%), one individual assignment totalling not more than 3000 words (30%), and seminar presentations and participation (10%). Successful completion of this subject requires a pass (50%) in the final exam.
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: To be advised.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Investigate the role of the legal system in regulating business transactions, contracts and companies;
  • Develop a framework for understanding the legal environment of business and companies;
  • Identify the legal issues or considerations which typically arise with business transactions particularly those involving companies;
  • Analyse the nature and consequences of obligations arising out of contracts and torts; and
  • Explain the main statutory provisions and case law relevant to Australian companies.
  • Analyse the impact of various facets of the law on accounting practice
  • Apply accounting practice in supporting the achievement of the legal aspects of business, particularly where conducted through companies;

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Oral and written communication specific to legal issues arising out of accounting practice.
Related Course(s): Master of Accounting
Master of Accounting
Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting)
Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting)
Master of Applied Commerce (Business Analysis and Systems)
Master of Applied Commerce (Business Analysis and Systems)

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