Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Contract law addresses the broad concepts, principles and rules used to determine the content of binding promises and as appropriate, their defeasibility or enforcement in a market economy. Topics will include an introduction (covering historical elements, theories of contract and policy considerations, offer and acceptance, consideration, certainty, intention to create legal relations, formalities, estoppel, privity, introduction to vitiating Factors (duress and undue influence) and terms of the contract.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will have:

1. acquired an understanding of certain fundamental concepts of the common law of contract, including formation of contracts and matters effecting formation and contractual terms
2. acquired a familiarity with the principal Federal and State legislation affecting contracts and the ability to analyse and apply this legislation to contractual situations
3. a coherent, critical and policy aware understanding of the principles of the law of contract
4. the ability to extract and evaluate principles from primary and secondary law sources (cases, statutes, textbooks, articles and other writings about contract law).

Assessment

Research assignment (2,500 words): 30%
Examination (2 hours plus 30 minutes reading time): 70%

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Jason Harkess (Trimester 1; Trimester 2)
Ms Rowena Cantley-Smith (Trimester 3)

Contact hours

24 Hours

Prerequisites

LAW7079 and LAW7212 or LAW7470

Prohibitions

LAW7265