This module aims to provide a grounding in the core basic legal principles affecting the operation of business organisations. To familiarise the student with the legal background of commercial transactions.

Irish legal system including the court structure and sources of law. Contracts entered into by companies generally. Law on partnerships and companies, formation and constitution of companies, the financing of companies and types of capital, the management, administration, and regulation of companies. legal aspects of corporate insolvency. Directors duties. Formation of contracts, breach of contract and remedies available. Law of tort which might affect business transactions, such as negligence and passing off. Core aspects of employment law, employment status, the employment contract, termination of employment, equality legislation and discrimination.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Analyse how companies are formed, managed, administered and regulated. Describe the essential terms of a contract. Analyse the elements of the tort of negligence and passing off. Describe the fundamentals of employment law in Ireland.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Identify legal issues and the need for legal advice. Understand the importance of legal compliance.

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The module will be delivered by lecture, on block release, with a significant amount of student work taking place between blocks. Classes will be discursive and based on lecture notes and materials provided to students in advance through the University’s online learning system. Graduate attributes will be developed in the following ways: Knowledgeable: Students will gain a deep knowledge of law through practical examples, coursework and in-class work; Proactive: Students are expected to be proactive in their own learning through independent study and self-directed learning; Responsible: Students will develop a sense of responsibility through class discussions on various legal issues; Collaborative: Students will be required to participate in class discussions and group work; Articulate: Students will become articulate in expressing advice through the use of in-class discussions, presentations and written coursework. The module will reflect the most recent developments and research.