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.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is built upon the foundation of the Australian legal system. It examines the rights and potential liabilities associated with contemporary commercial decision making through the respective prisms of the law of contract, the law of tort, and corporations law—particularly as the law relates to the accounting profession. The exploration of this law includes both common law and statutory perspectives. The unit includes the development of Australian law business legal structures, the law of tort and the accounting profession, intention to create legal relations and formation of contract, implied and express terms of contract, vitiating factors in contract, breach and remedies in contract, Australian evolution of corporations law, limited liability and separate legal entity, debt and equity, directors' duties, rights and remedies of members, and financial reporting and disclosure.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the key elements of the Australian legal system; (2) identify key features of contract formation and the discharge of a contract; (3) summarise the regulatory framework of corporations in Australia; (4) apply relevant rights and responsibilities stemming from the law of contract in the context of contemporary commercial decision making; (5) evaluate the tension between commercial risk-taking and the tort of negligence; (6) critically evaluate the legal challenges presented by the corporations law for the contemporary business professional; and (7) demonstrate legal reasoning by use of analysis and communication skills in a commercial context.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) quizzes; and (3) examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Alvin Yap
Contact hours
lectures: 3 hours per week
Note
This unit is for Master of Professional Accounting students only. It is not available to postgraduate law students, who should take LAWS5541 Corporate Finance and Securities Regulation (formerly LAWS8541 Corporate Finance and Securities Regulation) instead.
Text

Turner, C. and Gamble, R. Concise Australian Commercial Law: Thomson Reuters 2013 (or latest edition)

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • 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.