Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit is the foundation for understanding the legal framework that governs commercial activity and business decision making. The aim of the unit is to equip students with the core principles of business law as they apply to setting up and operating a business and conducting commercial transactions. Students will examine the nature and formation of contracts, enforceability, breach and remedies, and the legal rights and obligations of parties to commercial arrangements. They will also develop a basic knowledge of property law principles, particularly the transfer of title in the sale of goods and the legal implications of ownership, possession, and risk. The unit applies these principles to two fundamental commercial activities: establishing a business structure and entering into day-to-day commercial transactions. Students will further develop skills in identifying legal issues, interpreting simple legal documents, and applying legal principles to practical business scenarios
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Identify the legal issues that impact business org...
Learning Outcome 01
Critically describe the interaction between common...
Learning Outcome 02
Analyse the current legal framework and recent dev...
Learning Outcome 03
Analyse legal problems within a business context a...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- The Australian Legal System
- The Australian Constitution
- Formation of Contract - Principles and Elements
- Terms, parties, Breach of Contract & Remedies
- Business Structures: Sole Trader, Partnerships, Companies and Trusts
- Tort Law – Manufacturer’s Liability, Negligence & Negligent Advice
- Consumer Protection – Australian Consumer Law
- Misleading or Deceptive Conduct and Unconscionable Conduct
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessments are used primarily to foster learning. ACU adopts a constructivist approach that aligns the unit’s purpose, learning outcomes, teaching and learning strategies, assessment, and the learning environment. To pass this unit, students must meet all learning outcomes and achieve an overall mark of at least 50%. The assessment tasks are designed so that students can demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome.
The three assessments develop complementary aspects of business law knowledge and skills. Assessment Task 1, a case study moot presentation with a brief written component, focuses on oral advocacy, legal reasoning, and constructing persuasive arguments based on legal research. Assessment Task 2, a research report, emphasises independent research, accurate use of legal authorities, and clear written advice on business law issues. Assessment Task 3, an exam, requires students to apply and integrate their learning.
Students must comply with the University’s Student Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy, including avoiding unauthorised or undisclosed use of artificial intelligence tools unless explicitly permitted and acknowledged. Breaches of academic integrity will be managed under University procedures.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Presentation This assessment ...
Assessment Task 1: Presentation
This assessment task consists of a 20-minute oral presentation and a 500-word written submission. Students undertake both a written and verbal presentation which analyses a given legal problem. Students are expected to undertake legal research and to develop a coherent and well-reasoned legal argument that is both persuasive and articulate.
Submission type: Individual
Assessment Method: Presentation
Presentation Artefact: Presentation notes
30%
Assessment Task 2: Research Report and Presentati...
Assessment Task 2: Research Report and Presentation
This assessment task consists of a 1000-word written report and a 5-minute recorded presentation. This task requires students to demonstrate the ability to research an area of business law and to provide written advice that is supported by relevant legal principles.
Submission type: Individual
Assessment Method: Research Report and Presentation
Artefact: Written report and Presentation
40%
Assessment Task 3: Final Exam This task requires...
Assessment Task 3: Final Exam
This task requires students to undertake an examination during the exam period.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Examination
Artefact: Written response
30%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode of delivery:
Attendance Mode
Lectures, tutorials and/or workshops will require face-to-face attendance on campus. Learning and teaching strategies will include lectures being used to introduce and explore concepts and issues. Tutorials and workshops will enhance understanding and develop skills. They will involve guided discussion, demonstration problems and case studies.
Multi-Mode
In the multi-mode, the unit will involve a mix of face-to-face and online delivery, utilising the University’s online platforms. The multi-mode of delivery provides for flexible learning including recorded lectures and online assessments.
ACU Online
This unit uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.