Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit introduces the law of companies, and examines areas of topical interest in greater detail. Topics include: the role and functions of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; the concepts of the company as a separate legal entity and limited liability; the corporate veil; the corporate constitution; the company's relationship with outsiders; the board of directors; duties of directors and officers; rights of members and minority shareholder protection; share capital and dividends; forms of corporate insolvency administrations: receiverships, voluntary administration and liquidations.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• identify the important elements in the regulation of companies and how they may be applied
• understand the important features and characteristics of companies as a form of business organisation
• analyse hypothetical case studies involving corporate law issues and formulate a legal argument by the application of statute and case law
• develop critical research skills
• critically evaluate the effectiveness of aspects of corporate law in the context of the changing needs of the community
• develop written and verbal presentation skills

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination: (3 hours) 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Phillip Lipton

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed one of the following: BTF2220, BTC2210, BTW2220 or BTX9541 before undertaking this unit.