Introductory description

To understand the basic concepts and principles of contract law and the importance of
contract formation in the business world.
To understand the application of contract law in employment and recognise the
circumstances in which an employment contract may be terminated.
To introduce students to the basic concepts of the tort of negligence.
To understand what a claimant has to prove to succeed in a negligence claim and to
recognise and understand the main defences to a claim in negligence.
To understand the principles imposing liability for professional negligence.
To develop legal skills including analysis of legal problems, and problem-solving
techniques which can be applied to analyse a range of hypothetical problems.
To be able to conduct research using official sources of legislation and case-law.
To gain experience in preparing and presenting legal arguments.
To develop an ability to evaluate and criticise legal principles

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The module includes the following:
Contract Law

The use and control of exclusion clauses.
The need for consensus ad idem in contract formation and the affect of mistake, misrepresentation, duress and undue influence.
The various methods of discharging a contract.
Contractual remedies, including damages, specific performance and injunctions.
Tort Law

The rules required to prove the tort of negligence – duty of care, breach and damages.
Contributory negligence and volenti non fit injuria.
The importance of vicarious liability.
The rules on economic loss and financial loss due to negligent mis-statements.
Liability for professional negligence – accountants, solicitors, surveyors

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the basic principles and theories underlying the law of contract.
• Understand the basic theories and principles underlying the law of tort.
• Analyse legal problems.
• Conduct research using official sources of legislation and case law.
• Evaluate and criticise current law and reform proposals.

Indicative reading list

Lucy Jones, Business law, 2019, Oxford.
Illustrative Reading:
Stephen Judge, Law for Business Students, 2006, Palgrave.
Smith & Keenan English Law , 2002, Pitman Publishing.
George Applebey Contract Law , 2003, Sweet & Maxwell.
David Kelly & Ann Holmes Principles of Business Law , 2001, Cavendish Publishing Limited.
Chris Turner & Sue Hodge Unlocking Torts, 2004, Hodder & Stoughton

Subject specific skills

1. Analyse legal problems
2. Conduct research using official sources of legislation and case law.
3. Prepare and present legal arguments for both sides of a legal dispute.
4. Evaluate and criticise current law and reform proposals.

Transferable skills

Conduct independent research of set issues using library and electronic sources.
Present reasoned arguments orally and on paper.
Work in teams to prepare and present case-studies.
Support arguments by reference to appropriate
sources