Overview

The module introduces the student to the legal system of England and Wales, providing a framework to study ‘What is Law’. It will provide an outline of the essential differences between common law and civil law systems. It will also provide students with a brief introduction to areas of substantive law such as the essentials of contract; the tort or negligence and business formation. It will also introduce students to Employment Law, so that they understand Contracts of Employment and elements of dismissal and Redundancy. The module will also outline the law relating to business organisations, in particular the law relating to partnerships and limited companies. It will consider legal personality, the capital and financing and the management, administration and regulation of companies. It elucidates on the guiding rules on shareholder's litigation rights. It will also briefly look at Insolvency Law and Fraudulent and criminal behaviour.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%): No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives -good -B- to B+ (60-69%): Very good performance Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. -excellent -A- to A+ (70%+): Outstanding performance. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. -another level-C- to C+ (50-59%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the statutory rules regulating the raising and maintenance of a company’s share capital.

• Explain the different procedures by which a company may be wound up and explain the role and function of a liquidator.

• Explain the essentials of a contract and the key elements in establishing the tort of negligence.

• Explain the internal structure of a company, its management and control, and the legal restrictions and requirements placed on a company’s board of directors.

• Explain the key components of corporate personality including the potential of criminal liability.

• Explain the principles of how law applies to business, including the formation of contracts, the tort of negligence and the alternative forms of business available, including the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation.

• Undertake independent legal research including the use of appropriate academic data bases.