79708 Contemporary Business Law
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2017 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides students with an understanding of the legal system and a knowledge of a range of legal topics that are of practical relevance to business law. It provides timely information on recent developments in areas including commercial contracts and trade practices legislation, consumer protection, business structures and intellectual property.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | demonstrate a broad awareness of Australia???s legal system and the law making process, both of which impact on the business community; |
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| 2. | examine, in some detail, specific legal topics with emphasis on issues relevant to the business community; |
| 3. | investigate contemporary issues both as allocated and of the student???s choosing, examining them from a legal, business and, in the chosen areas, personal perspective; |
| 4. | integrate tuition with practical examples and student research. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Legal Knowledge
An advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of legal knowledge including the Australian legal system, social justice, cultural and international contexts, the principles and values of ethical practice, and contemporary developments in law and its professional practice. (1.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
Strategy 1: Provide clear, precise and informative notes online.
Strategy 2: Supplement with practical, explanatory lecturing.
Strategy 3: Encourage class participation especially through assignment work.
Strategy 4: Revision and exam samples.
Subject Delivery
This course will not facilitate students becoming lawyers. However, it should provide considerable assistance in their business work and relationships including effective future dealings with the legal profession and the law generally. The subject will be delivered with this concept in mind.
Lecture Format:
The subject is substantially conducted by the lecturer with supporting powerpoint slides. There is no fixed time for any break from class.
Tutorial Format and Expectation of Student Participation:
There is no formal tutorial but class questions and interaction is encouraged throughout the lecture.
Lecture Recording Information
Audio or visual recording of classes for this subject is strictly prohibited unless written approval is sought and given in advance by the Subject Coordinator. Approval for audio or visual recording will usually be limited to medical or hardship reasons, and if approved, must be arranged by the student. Students may only use the audio or visual recording for private study purposes and (to avoid any legal action) permission must be obtained from the Subject Coordinator for any other usage. Given the inter-active nature of classes, any student who does not wish to be audio-taped must advise the Subject Coordinator in advance otherwise permission from students is assumed.
UTS Audio Visual Service Lecture Recording
Lecture tapes are available for purchase from the UTS Audio Visual Services in CM05.D.101 (at the entrance past the “Art of Food” café) on the Haymarket Campus, Quay Street. Please note that no responsibility is taken for the quality or reliability of this taping service and that no special consideration applications will be considered in relation to problems experienced by students using this taping service. Students may only use these audio-tapes for private study purposes and (to avoid any legal action) permission must be obtained from the Subject Coordinator for any other usage.
Content (topics)
Introduction to the legal system
- The law making Process
- Property Law (including intellectual property)
- Torts (including Negligence in the business environment)
- Contractual relations (emphasis on Contract terms and remedies)
- Consumer protection (product liability, services)
- Competition law
- Business structures
- Insolvency
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quiz A
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1 and 2 This task contributes specifically to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 10% |
| Length: | The Quiz will be set down for a maximum period of one (1) hour - this period will include reading time. |
Assessment task 2: Group Assignment
| Weight: | 40% |
|---|---|
| Length: | Part A - Group Presentation: Group Presentation should be between 30 - 45 minutes ( allocate 5-7 minutes for each member of the group). Students must consider their time allocation as it is an important factor which is taken into account in awarding marks. Part B - Individual Report: Each individual's Report will be between 1 800 and 2 000 words. |
Assessment task 3: Final Exam
| Weight: | 50% |
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Required texts
- Taggart J & Squire M, Contemporary Business Law 2016 Tekniks
- The session notes provided during the course which will be accessible on UTS Online.
Recommended texts
Note: Students are not expected to read all these references. They are available for research topics or some students may find them easier or provide more depth.
- Paul Latimer, Australian Business Law, Oxford University Press, latest edition
- Turner, Australian Commercial Law, Law Book Co, latest edition
- Davenport and Parker, Business & Law in Australia, Thonson Reuters, latest edition
- Vermeesch and Lindgren's Business Law of Australia - LexisNexus latest edition
Students’ attention will be drawn to a number of useful websites throughout the course
References
- Law Handbook www.handbook.uts.edu.au/law/index.html
- Law Webpage www.law.uts.edu.au/
- Student Admin Unit www.sau.uts.edu.au
- Student Centres www.uts.edu.au/students/centres.html
- UTS Policies www.gsu.uts.edu.au/policies/index.html
Other resources
UTS LIBRARY
The UTS Library has a wide range of services and resources that you will find useful, including law reports, law journals, textbooks, and access to online resources www.lib.uts.edu.au.
Relevant materials in this subject may also be available on Closed Reserve, which is a special borrowing service that allows you to use the material for two hours or overnight, to ensure the materials are available to many students. Materials on closed reserve are listed in the library catalogue by subject details and Subject Co-ordinator.
LEARNING SKILLS
The BELL (Becoming an Effective Lifelong Learner) website provides information, self-testing and links to help you develop your learning skills. Visit the BELL web site www.bell.uts.edu.au.
UTSOnline
This subject has a UTSOnline site (http://online.uts.edu.au/). The site may include announcements made in lectures, copies of lecture overheads/slides, and clarification of administrative and assignment matters. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they are registered on UTSOnline for this subject, and regularly check UTSOnline for announcements.
