Principles of Business Law

Subject 732-103 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

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 Michael Lambiris

Contact

Coordinator:
Dr M Lambiris
Subject Overview:

Principles of Business Law provides an introduction to law from a business perspective. This subject is available as a level 1 breadth subject to students in all faculties. 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; the law of agency; an introduction to business organisations.


Note 1: Principles of Business Law is a prerequisite for Corporate Law and Taxation 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.
Objectives: The objectives of this course are to:
• Explain the nature and role of law in society
• Describe the sources of Australian law
• Find, interpret and apply case-law and legislation
• Explain and apply the principles of contract law in business situations
• Explain the basic principles of liability in tort law
• Explain and apply statutory consumer protection legislation
• Explain Agency relationships
• Distinguish different kinds of business organisations
Assessment:

First skills-task in week 4 (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 (CD-Rom and Source Book) 2009 edition.
Breadth Options:

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

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 Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Business Law
Property

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