Principles of Business Law

Subject BLAW10001 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

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

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Two hours per week, plus optional consultation and skills sessions.
Total Time Commitment:

Four hours per week.

Prerequisites:

None.

Corequisites:

None.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None.

Non Allowed Subjects:

None.

Core Participation Requirements:

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 providing 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/.

Contact

Ms Tanya Josev - Semester One

Ms Anna Hood - Semester Two

Melbourne Law School Student Centre
Email: law-studentcentre@unimelb.edu.au
Tel: +61 3 8344 4475

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; liability in tort law for negligence; and the law of agency.

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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 and apply the basic principles of liability in tort law;
  • Explain and apply statutory consumer protection legislation; and
  • Explain and apply the law of agency.
Assessment:

Two hour-long multiple-choice tests (10% each) in weeks 4 and 9; and 1.5 hour end of semester examination (80%).

Prescribed Texts:

First Principles of Business Law (Source Book and accompanying downloadable software) - latest 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, interpret and apply legal source materials;
  • Ability to find and apply legal principles and rules to resolve specific issues.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Construction major
Property major
Related Breadth Track(s): Law - Business and Taxation Law
Law - Business and Work Law
Law - Business and Competition and Consumer Law

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