Fundamentals of Built Environment Law

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

120 hours

Entry into the Melbourne School of Design or approval from the subject coordinator.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

An introduction to the principles and legal concepts that apply to the built environment professions and how this law develops and changes. The subject covers:

• the fundamentals of common law;
• liability in tort law for injury or loss caused to other people or their property;
• legally binding contracts, their terms, obligations and breaches. These concepts extend into construction contracts, standard forms of contract, liabilities, litigation and arbitration;
• concepts of property and ownership in Australia. The legal nature of land, improvements, fixtures and chattels, land registration systems and encumbrances. Co-ownership: subdivision, joint tenancy in common. licenses and leases. occupier's liability;
• planning law;
• environmental law;
• intellectual property covering copyright, patents and consultancy issues.

Students who have successfully completed this subject should:

• have a sound general understanding of the principles and legal concepts of common law and tort law;
• be aware of the different forms of construction contracts and the characteristic features and differences between each;
• understand the land tenure systems in Australia including ownerships, subdivisions and property leasing arrangements;
• be familiar with planning and environmental laws, the implementation systems and adoption by the professions;
• have a basic understanding of ownership rights with respect to intellectual property.

• A major case study scenario assignment due mid semester (40%).
• End of semester examination (60%).

A minimum mark of 40% must be obtained in the examination in order to pass the subject.

Comprehensive coursework notes including selected readings provided via the University book room.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• the capacity to analyse a range of legal environmental frameworks;
• the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;
• ability to find and apply legal principles within the environment professions.