Legal Issues for Accountants

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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

Topics include the general legal framework as it relates to the business environment; the basic law of contract; the responsibilities and risks that arise in business, with a particular emphasis on the law relating to corporate entities; the Australian corporate law framework as legislated; and the application of corporate law to the business environment.

• Identify the legal issues which commonly present themselves in relation to the operations of business, including those that involve companies;
• Analyse the scope and implications of the obligations that arise under the law of contract and the law of negligence; and
• Apply the principal statutory provisions and case law in relation to Australian companies.

An assignment totalling not more than 3000 words (30%) and a 3-hour open book end-of-semester examination (70%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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.