LW302 Corporations Law

DESCRIPTION

This unit provides an overview of the principles and mechanisms of the law governing the commonest legal arrangements through which business is conducted in Australia. In an increasingly complex business environment, discerning and understanding the principles which underlie the complexity of the law governing business organisations is practically useful. It enables people of business and their advisers to identify and address important issues of partnership, trust, associations, and company law when they arise. This unit provides a foundation for the study of these matters.

RELEVANT COURSES

Bachelor of Accounting*

*Core unit

CREDIT POINTS

10

DELIVERY MODE

On campus
Intensive
Extensive

PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE

Nil

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Critique various business structures considered in the court

LO2 Demonstrate an understanding of the role company law plays in regulating both business activity and company officers

LO3 Interpret and analyse various sections of legislation applicable to corporations and other business structures

LO4 Apply your knowledge of law to particular fact situations relevant to the course so that the legal issues raised are discussed coherently and reasonable conclusions are reached

CONTENT

  • The context of Australian corporate law
  • Business structures, partnerships and associations, incorporation, and its effects
  • Internal governance: constitution and replaceable rules, corporate liability: Tort, crime and contract, promoters:
  • Duties and liabilities, corporate fundraising
  • Debt finance, share capital and transactions affecting share capital, membership rights and meetings
  • Corporate governance
  • Directors and officers
  • Directors’ and officers’ duties: Good faith and proper purposes, directors, and officers: Conflicts of interest
  • Directors and officers: The duty of care and diligence
  • Directors and officers: Corporate governance during times of financial distress
  • Members’ remedies, accounts auditors and dividends
  • Financial services, managed investment schemes and financial markets
  • External administration and insolvency

ASSESSMENT METHODS

  1. Small Group Discovery Experience – 20%
  2. Written Assessment – 30%
  3. Exam – 50%

PRESCRIBED READINGS

Hargovan, A., Adams, M., & Brown, C. (20202). Australian corporate law (7th ed.). Sydney: LexisNexis Butterworths.

Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks