Leader: Mr Anthony Loschiavo

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

The aim of this unit is to identify important legal issues that arise in facilitation and regulation of electronic commercial transactions, most notably private commercial law issues related to contracts and payment systems & their impact upon the daily life of practioners. Reference will also be made to public law issues related to regulation of the infrastructure of electronic commerce such as tax policy and encryption, the scope and effect of Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (C'th). and the UNCITRAL model laws. The unit will consider related competition and trade practices issues, as well as consumer protection, privacy and cybercrime.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students

should have:

1. a thorough knowledge of the scope and effect of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (C'th);
2. an understanding of the current problems associated with electronic transactions and the extent to which the existing legal regime facilitates or impedes those transactions;
3. an awareness of international developments relating to electronic transacting and also the current issues relating to cross border transacting;
4. an understanding of likely trends for future development of the legal regime relating to electronic transacting.

Assessment

Reseach paper (3,750 words): 50%
Take home examination (3,000 words): 40%
Class participation: 10%.

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture per week