LAW06021 2022 Business Law 1
The objective of this module is to give the student a broad overview of the structure of the Irish legal system and how it operates. An introduction will also be given to the European legal system. The student will be provided with an understanding of the basic principles of contract law and tort law which are essential in the commercial environment. It is intended that this module will create an awareness of where legal expertise may need to be sought.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
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.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
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.
Module Assessment Strategies
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 Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
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.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Moodle Quiz | Coursework Assessment | Closed Book Exam | 15 % | Week 5 | 1,2 |
2 | Quiz, Case Study, Written Report, Presentation, Other | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 15 % | Week 11 | 3,4,5 |
3 | Continuous Assessment Weekly activities in class such as question and answer sessions, class discussion, case studies etc. | Formative | Assessment | - % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | Closed Book Exam | 70 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Lecture Theatre | Class based instruction | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Tutorial | Flat Classroom | Tutorial | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Self Study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2015 An Introduction to Business Law
ISBN 1910374334 ISBN-13 9781910374337
2021 Essentials of Irish Business Law
ISBN 1916019986 ISBN-13 9781916019980
Module Resources
Law Society Gazette
Irish Law Times
Various legal, government and European websites such as:
www.irishstatuebook.ie
www.oireachtas.ie
www.courts.ie
www.dppireland.ie
www.europa.eu
www.injuriesboard.ie
www.bailii.org
www.irlii.org
www.wrc.ie
www.decisis.ie
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