RE8008: BUSINESS LAW

RENAISSANCE ENGINEERING PROGRAMME Learning Objective The aim of this course is to provide a good understanding of the main principles of law affecting business. As an introductory course, it will focus on the key principles and issues. The course is divided into six parts. The first part introduces basic concepts and definitions relating to the law and the judicial system in Singapore. We then move on to study principles in contract law, viewed at and explained from a business perspective. Part three highlights the essential aspects of tort law focusing on the tort of negligence. Parts four and five look at organizational forms and the basic aspects of intellectual property protection respectively. The final part introduces elements of dispute management and resolution. Content Society, Business & the Law; Formation of Contract I; Formation of Contract II; Contents of Contract; Enforceability of Contract; Discharge of Contract; Remedies for Breach of Contract; Tort; Intellectual Property Protection; Business Organizations; Dispute Management & Resolution. Course Outline S/N 1 Topic SOCIETY, BUSINESS & THE LAW A. Overview of RE8008 B. Definition & function of law C. Scope of law D. Structure of the Singapore Government E. Sources of law F. Classifications of law G. Singapore legal system Hours 3

FORMATION OF CONTRACT I A. Concept of Assent B. Offer C. Acceptance

FORMATION OF CONTRACT II A. Intention to Create Legal Relations B. Consideration C. Promissory Estoppel D. Privity of Contract E. Form of Contract

S/N 4

Topic CONTENTS OF CONTRACT (TERMS) A. Terms & Representations B. Types of Terms C. Statutory Implied Terms (SOGA) D. Parol Evidence Rule E. Exemption Clauses

Hours 3

ENFORCEABILITY OF CONTRACT (VITIATING FACTORS) A. Introduction to vitiating factors B. Illegality (Common law and Statutory) C. Incapacity D. Misrepresentation E. Other vitiating factors

DISCHARGE OF CONTRACT A. Discharge v Rescission B. Performance C. Breach D. Agreement (Novation; Waiver) E. Frustration

REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF CONTRACT A. Distinction between Common Law and Equitable Remedies B. Action for damages. Causation, and remoteness, assessment; mitigation and liquidated damages C. Equitable Remedies: specific performance and injunction

TORT A. Overview of the law of tort B. Tort of Negligence C. Negligent Misstatement D. Other Torts E. Vicarious Liability

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION A. Trade Marks B. Patents C. Registered Designs D. Copyright

S/N 10

Topic BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS A. Overview of Types of Legal Forms for Business B. Sole Proprietorships C. General Partnerships D. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) E. Limited Partnerships F. Companies

Hours 3

11

DISPUTE MANAGEMENT & RESOLUTION

12

CLASS QUIZ

13

COURSE REVIEW & REVISION

Learning Outcome Upon successful completion of the course, students should have an understanding of the legal framework in which businesses operate in order that they can: (a) make informed decisions; (b) identify potential legal problems and implement preventive or corrective measures, including taking professional advice; and (c) appreciate the legal implications of their actions

Student Assessment Students will be assessed based by final examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%). The continuous assessment will comprise of class participation (50%) and a quiz comprising of multiple choice questions that will be administered during seminar time in week 12 (50%).

Textbooks/References Basic Text RC Ravi Chandran, Introduction to Business Law in Singapore (4th edition, 2010) (Call No. KPP7.3.B87C456 2010)

Other References T&D L&T WW L&Y GS1 GS2 Benny S Tabalujan & Valerie Du Toit-Low, Singapore Business Law (5th edition, 2009) (Call No. KPP7.3.B87T112 2009) Low Kee Yang & Benny S Tabalujan, The Executives Guide to Business & The Law (2nd edition, 2002) (Call No. HF5351.L912 2002) Walter Woon, Basic Business Law In Singapore (2nd edition, 2000) (Call No. KPP7.3.B87W873 2000) Lum Kit-Wye & Victor Yeo, Contract Law (1st edition, 1998) (Call No. K840.L957) George Shenoy & Toh See Kiat (Editors), Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Singapore (1st edition, 1996) (Call No. K1005.4.S56L496) George Shenoy (Editor), Law of Rights and Obligations of Business in Singapore (1st edition, 1996) (Call No. KPP7.3.B87L415)

English Texts JB RU C&J J Beatson, Ansons Law of Contract (28th edition, 2002) (Call No. KD1554.A622 2002) Robert Upex, Davies on Contract (8th edition, 1999) (Call No. KD1554.U66 1999) Card & James, Law for Accountancy Students (5th edition, 1994) (Call No. KD665.A25.C266.1994)

Statutes (Singapore and English statutes applicable in Singapore are available online at www.agc.gov.sg) Application of English Law Act (AELA Cap 7A) Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act (CRTA Cap 53B) Electronic Transactions Act 2010 (Act 16 of 2010) Frustrated Contracts Act (FCA Cap 115) Limited Liability Partnerships Act (LLPA Cap 163A) Limited Partnerships Act 2008 (LPA 2008) Act 37 of 2008 Minors Contracts Act (MCA Cap 389) Misrepresentation Act (MA Cap 390) Unfair Contract Terms Act (UCTA Cap 396)