LAW06021 2022 Business Law 1

Trace the development of the Irish legal system, identifying the sources of law and their relative positions of authority within that system;

Explore the composition and jurisdiction of the Irish court system including judicial independence and the significance of precedent;

Apply the fundamental principles of contract law and tort law to facilitate informed decisions in the commercial environment;

Recognise key factors which will influence decision making within a complex legal environment;

Demonstrate the ability to cooperate and work effectively with peers.

The teaching and learning strategy is one which is founded on student-centred active learning. This module will be delivered by a mixture of face to face, online delivery and tutorial support as appropriate. A range of Computer-Aided Learning (CALL) packages are available to support this module (e.g. Moodle, Teams, Panopto). 

Discussion, communication and team working skills will be nurtured throughout the module, where students will have space and the support to articulate and present on their ideas within the learning environment.

This module will be assessed by Continuous Assessment (30%) which may vary from a case study, presentation, moodle quiz, other - which will take place between weeks 5 and 11 of the semester. There will also be an end of semester exam (70%).

Students will also have the opportunity to reflect on their learning progress throughout the semester through formative assessments such as in-class discussions, polls and quizzes.

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.

1.     Introduction to the Irish and European legal systems (LO 1 & 2):

• Sources of law;
• The importance of European Union law in relation to our legal system;
• Personnel of the law and the Irish court system.

2.     The fundamental principles of contract law (LO 3):

• The essential elements of a legally binding contract;
• Exemption clauses and contracts in restraint of trade;
• Contract clauses, discharge and remedies;
• Electronic contracts.

3.     The fundamental principles of tort law (LO 3):

• Describe the basic principles of the law of negligence;
• Distinguish between topics including vicarious liability, employer's liability, professional negligence, product liability;
• Defamation;
• The defences that may be used to defend an action in negligence and the remedies available.

4.     Business Ethics and Regulation/Compliance (LO 4 & 5):

• Ethical principles - Integrity, professional competence, conflicts of interest, confidentiality and accountability;
• Regulation of Accountants;
• Money laundering.

5.     Emerging Trends (LO 4 & 5):

• Corporate social responsibility;
• Sustainability;
• Cybercrime.