Principles of Business Law

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

(1) A weekly lecture; (2) A weekly e-tutorial to be done out-of-class; (3) A weekly (optional) drop-in consultation session with tutors; and (4) three (optional) exam-practice/skills development sessions with tutors across the semester.

120 hours

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

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 and enforced; property law; 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.

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 property law;
• 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.

Two hour-long multiple-choice tests (10% each) in weeks 5 and 9; and 1.5 hour end of semester examination (80%).

The due date of the above assessment will be available to enrolled students via the LMS.

First Principles of Business Law (Source Book and accompanying downloadable software) - latest edition.

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.

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.