Module Code - Title:
LA4005
-
LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
To provide students with a knowledge of the legal environment in which business operates and of the legal principles central to commercial life.
Syllabus:
The concept of law. Legal systems: common law systems; the civil law systems; the European Union legal system. Sources of Law; precedent; legislation; the 1937 Constitution, the European Treaties. The administration of justice in Ireland, courts and quasi-judicial tribunals; legal and equitable remedies. The role of law in the business environment, its function and methods, legal philosophy in business law. Core elements of private law. Contractual transactions: formation; formalities; capacity; contractual terms and obligations; standard form contracts; statutory regulation; discharge. Civil liability: negligence; statutory duties and remedies; economic torts: inducement to breach of contract; conspiracy; passing off; deceit and injurious falsehood.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:
Interpret the legal setting for the operation of business in Ireland;
Transfer fundamental concepts of law in Ireland to the business environment;
Explain the Irish Court structure, as well as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms;
Recount the variety of mechanisms available to courts in the disposal of cases;
Distinguish the forms of liability which can attach to businesses and their employees;
Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law and the relevant case law.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
N/A
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Prime Texts:
Byrne, R. and J.P. McCutcheon (2001)
The Irish Legal System (4e)
, Dublin: Butterworths
Doolan, B. (2003)
Principles of Irish Law (6e)
, Dublin: Gill and Macmillan
Other Relevant Texts:
Grimes, R. and P. Horgan (1998)
Introduction to Law in the Republic of Ireland. 2e
, Dublin: Wolfhound
Delany, V.T.H (1975)
The Administration of Justice in Ireland
, Dublin: Institute of Public Administration
Harris, P. (2002)
An Introduction to Law (6e)
, London: Butterworths
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES WITH FRENCH
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES WITH GERMAN
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES WITH JAPANESE
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS STUDIES WITH SPANISH
HIGHER DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS AND ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (PRE MASTERS STUDIES)
PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN ACCOUNTING
PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN COMMERCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
Luke.Danagher@ul.ie