Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

The law of unjust enrichment has until recently been the forgotten area of private law or the law of obligations. It is now firmly entrenched as the third fundamental area of the law of obligations, along with contract and tort. This unit focuses on several areas of the law of unjust enrichment including mistaken payments, duress, failure of consideration and available defences. Also dealt with are waiver of tort, estoppel, tracing, and restitutionary recovery of improperly acquired gains. Key areas of the law that are unclear when considered other than in the context of the law of unjust enrichment are also dealt with, for example, unconscionability, waiver of tort, estoppel, and equitable and common law tracing. The unit also examines the law of restitution, the gains based remedy for actions in unjust enrichment and an under-appreciated additional remedy available to other causes of action such as wrongs.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate how restitutionary rights arise in unjust enrichment and how restitutionary rights are affected by defences; (2) integrate knowledge of property, torts, trusts and equity to identify any inconsistencies in the cases concerning unjust enrichment; and (3) conduct independent research on unjust enrichment and restitution issues.

Assessment

Students demonstrate achievement of the outcomes in a variety of assessment methods which may include a case note and research essays. Details of assessment are advised in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit rules
Incompatibility
LAWS3392 Unjust Enrichment and Restitution
Contact hours
Students must attend every day of the intensive period. 6-10 Feb 2023
Note
Students must attend every day of the intensive period. 6-10 Feb 2023
Text

Edelman, J. and Bant, E. Unjust Enrichment in Australia: OUP 2006 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
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  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.