Business Law

Module Identifier
LC31220
Module Title
Business Law
Academic Year
2026/2027
Semester
Semester 2 Taught over 2 semesters
Co-ordinator
Dr David Poyton
Reading List
View on Aspire
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)

Module not available to Law or Criminology based students
Other Staff
Dr David Poyton

Assessment

Assessment Type

Assessment details

Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay (1,500 words): - submitted week 12 Semester 1 33%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours 67%
Supplementary Assessment - if element failed 33%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours - if element failed 67%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. 1. Demonstrate a working understanding of the principal features of the English legal system.
  2. 2. Identify and explain the key elements of the tort of negligence which are of particular relevance to business.
  3. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of contracts in the conduct of commercial activity, the main features of English contract law, and the issues requiring legal advice at the various stages of the contract.
  4. 4. Identify the key principles of the law relating to agency.
  5. 5. Identify and critically discuss the main features and the advantages and disadvantages of the main business vehicles, i.e. sole trader, the partnership, the limited liability partnership and the company.
  6. 6. Identify and analyse the main principles of company law and their significance to, and impact on, corporate activity.

Brief description

The module seeks to provide the non-law student with a thorough, yet accessible introduction to legal issues relevant to the business environment. It also provides accountancy students with the subjects necessary for exemptions awarded by the professional bodies.

Content

*Legal System and Process
*Tort liability relevant to Business
*Elements of Contract Law
*The main principles to the Law of Agency
*Sole traders, partnerships, LLP and the company
*The main principles of Company Law

Module skills

Skills type

Skills details
Communication Oral communication in seminars. Written communication in essay and examination. (Only written is assessed).
Improving own Learning and Performance In preparation and participation in seminars. Examination performance.
Information Technology Use of Blackboard, Westlaw and Lexis.
Personal Development and Career planning Learning throughout the module will be relevant to a career in the commercial world.
Problem solving Preparation for, and discussion of, problem-solving questions in seminars; discussion of problem scenarios (e.g. cases) in lectures and the solution advanced by judges or law makes.
Research skills Pre and post-lecture research and seminar preparation, as well as preparation of the essay.
Subject Specific Skills The legal skills (eg. legal research and analysis) necessary to complete the module.
Team work Seminar preparation and discussion.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6