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 involves a study of the nature, function and regulation of companies in Australia. It examines the internal structure and governance of the company with an emphasis on duties owed by directors to the company; rights and remedies available to members; and corporate liability in tort, contract and criminal law. Consideration is also given to formation, finance and external administration issues. Where it is necessary to narrow the focus of learning, priority is given to issues that generally affect all companies.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate sound understanding of legal principles relating to (a) the nature, functions, formation, financing, internal structure, rules and governance of companies; (b) the duties owed by company directors; (c) rights and remedies available to members of a company; and (d) corporate liability in tort, contract and criminal law; (2) deal competently with and demonstrate understanding of the differences between relevant general law and statutory sources of company law; (3) identify relevant facts and legal issues in a hypothetical corporations law scenario; (4) apply corporations law principles to provide written and oral advice on complex factual scenarios involving companies; (5) locate, synthesise and analyse relevant material from primary and secondary sources to engage in high-level discussion on policy matters relevant to the corporate context; and (6) show a willingness and ability to contribute constructively to class discussion.

Assessment

Students demonstrate achievement of the outcomes in a variety of assessment methods which may include tutorial attendance and participation, an optional assignment and an end-of-semester examination. Further assessment information is provided in the unit outline.



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

Unit Coordinator(s)
Rebecca Faugno
Unit rules
Prerequisites
LAWS1130 Legal Process, LAWS1102 Contract II,
and LAWS1108 Torts II
Advisable prior study
LAWS2203 Trusts,
and LAWS4401 Constitutional Law II
Contact hours
lectures: 3 hours per week
tutorials: 1 hour per fortnight
Text

Austin, R. P. and Ramsay, I. M. Ford's Principles of Corporations Law, 15th edn: LexisNexis Butterworths 2012 (or latest edition)

Statutes

Australian Corporations and Securities Legislation, vol. 1: CCH 2013 (or latest edition)

or

Australian Corporations Legislation 2013: LexisNexis Butterworths 2013 (or latest edition)

or

Corporations Legislation 2013: Thomson Lawbook Co. 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.