IB113-15 Business Law
Introductory description
This module is only open to WBS undergraduate students, and some students taking joint degrees with WBS and another department. Students from other departments cannot take this module. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.
Module aims
The module aims are: To introduce students to the way in which legal systems work.
To develop an understanding of the main sources of law and the procedures involved in creating law.
To develop an understanding of the hierarchy of the court system and the importance of the doctrine of stare decisis.
To understand the basic concepts and principles of contract law and the importance of contract formation in the business world.
To understand the different legal forms of business and the legal formalities required to set up as a sole trader, in partnership and as a limited company.
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.
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:
The Legal System
An introduction to the English legal system, with particular reference to how the law is made and how legal disputes are resolved. Civil and criminal law distinctions. The creation of law through judicial precedent, statute law and European law. Interpretation of statutes. The court system and procedures for commencing a legal dispute. The role and qualifications of solicitors and barristers.
Business Transactions
An introduction to the formation of contracts, with particular reference to the importance of contract formation in the world of business. Offer and acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, capacity to contract, the purpose of contracts. Contracts in restraint of trade. The postal rules and the relevance of modern methods of communication. Rights of Third Parties Act.
Business Organisations
The legal formalities involved in setting up in business as a sole trader, in partnership and as a limited liability company. The Partnership Act and Companies Acts, Forming partnership agreements. Limited liability partnerships. Agency and the role of the partner. Memorandum and Articles of Association. Effects of incorporation. Lifting the corporate veil.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand the essential features, institutions and principles of legal systems with particular reference to the English legal system
- Recognise the major sources of law.
- Recognise the hierarchy of English courts and to be able to understand the doctrine of stare decisis.
- Understand the basic principles and theories underlying the law of contract.
- Analyse texts and oral presentations.
- Communicate complex ideas effectively.
- Test and refine hypotheses.
Indicative reading list
Core text: Introduction to Business Law, 4th edition, 2017 Oxford University Press Illustrative Reading: James Marson & Katy Ferris, Business Law, 5th edition, 2018 Oxford University Press Alix Adams Law for Business Students, 10th edition, 2018, Pearson. Ewan Macintyre, Essentials of Business Law, 6th edition, 2018, Pearson Card and James, Business Law, 4th edition, 2016, Oxford University Press
Subject specific skills
Analyse legal problems.
Conduct research using official sources of legislation and case law.
Prepare and present legal arguments for both sides of a legal dispute.
Evaluate and criticise current law and reform proposals
Transferable skills
Conduct independent research of set issues using library and electronic sources.
Present reasoned arguments.
Support arguments by reference to appropriate sources.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Private study | 48 hours (32%) |
| Assessment | 73 hours (49%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Exam | 100% | 73 hours | No |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback via my W.B.S
Post-requisite modules
If you pass this module, you can take:
- IB3G4-15 Law for Entrepreneurs
- IB237-15 Business Law 2
Anti-requisite modules
If you take this module, you cannot also take:
- IB2C1-15 Fundamentals of Business Law
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UIBA-N400 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance
-
UIBA-N404 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year and Placement/Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
- Year 2 of N4N7 Accounting and Finance (Foundation Year and Intercalated)
- Year 2 of N404 Accounting and Finance (Foundation Year and Placement)
- Year 2 of N405 Accounting and Finance (Foundation Year and UPP)
- Year 2 of N403 Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)
- Year 2 of UIBA-N403 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance (with Foundation Year)
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UIBA-N401 Undergraduate Accounting and Finance (with Placement Year/Undergraduate Partnership Programme)
- Year 1 of N401 Accounting and Finance (Placement)
- Year 1 of N402 Accounting and Finance (Undergraduate Partnership Programme)