Principles of Business Law

Subject 732-103 (2008)

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

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
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

(1) A weekly lecture; (2) A weekly computer-assisted task to be done out-of-class; (3) A weekly voluntary consulting session. The 3 skills tasks and the final exam are all computer-based tests in multiple-choice format, done under supervision in computer labs.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 2-hours per week, plus voluntary consulting
Total Time Commitment: Four hours per week
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr M Lambiris
Subject Overview:

Principles of Business Law provides an introduction to law with a business perspective. It is available as a level 1 breadth subject to students in all faculties. It is a required subject for Commerce students who intend majoring in Business Law. Topics include: the nature and purpose of law; how law develops and changes; how new law is made; how to read and understand legislation and case-law; how legally binding agreements (contracts) are created; how to understand the terms of a contract; what must be done to discharge contractual obligations; how contracts are enforced if there is a breach of contract; special circumstances in which performance of a contract can be avoided (duress, undue influence, mistake, unconscionable conduct and misleading conduct; liability in tort law for injury or loss caused to other persons or their property; and the law of agency.

Note 1: Commerce students who intend majoring in Business Law must do this subject in their first or second year of study - it is a prerequisite for corporations and tax law.

Note 2: This subject is recommended to students in any faculty and in any year of study who would like to study an introductory law subject.

Note 3: This subject is not available to LLB or JD students.
Assessment: First skills-task in week 3 (15%) and second skills-task in week 7(15%) and third skills-task in week 10 (15%) and a 1.5-hour end-of-semester examination (55%).
Prescribed Texts: First Principles of Business Law (Textbook and CD-Rom) 2008 edition.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Biomedicine
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Environments
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of the subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • the capacity for close reading and analysis of a range of legal source materials
  • the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection
  • the capacity to solve problems, including through the collection and evaluation of information
  • the capacity to effectively plan and manage time
  • intercultural sensitivity and understanding

In addition, on completion of the subject, students should have developed the following skills specific to the discipline of law:

  • Ability to find and deal with legal source materials
  • Ability to find and apply legal principles and rules to resolve specific issues
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Information Systems
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Property and Construction)

Download PDF version.