LAWS1018: Business Law - University of South Australia

This course, Business Law (LAWS 1018) - aims to equip students with a basic knowledge of how the law and ethics affects business decision-making and operations. It does so by examining a number of fundamental legal and ethical principles that facilitate yet impinge upon key business areas such as establishing a business, entering into commercial transactions, and protecting business assets. It also considers the relationship between business and regulators.

Main topics to be covered:

• Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Ethics:

  • Overview of the Australian legal system's structure and key principles
  • Discussion of ethical considerations relevant to legal practice

• Forms of Business Ownership:

  • Examination of different legal structures for businesses, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations

• Business Obligations, Ethics & Privacy:

  • Analysis of legal responsibilities, ethical obligations, and privacy laws affecting businesses

• Causing Harm:

  • Understanding legal liability and consequences for causing harm in business contexts

• Contracts - Formation:

  • Explanation of the essential elements and requirements for the formation of legally binding contracts

• Contracts - Enforceability and Remedies for Breach:

  • Discussion of the legal principles governing contract enforceability and available remedies for breaches of contract

• Employing Staff and the Principles of Agency:

  • Legal considerations involved in the employment of staff and the principles of agency law

• Consumer Protection Law:

  • Overview of laws and regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unfair business practices

• Competition Law:

  • Examination of the legal framework governing competition and prohibiting anti-competitive behaviour in markets

• Introduction to the Law of Property:

  • Introduction to property law principles and concepts, including ownership, transfer, and use of property