Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title	The Law of Contract
Module Code	LG316
School	School of Law & Government
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr. Brenda Daly	Office Number	C228
Level	4	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

Students will be acquainted with the role of contract law in business and economic activity. The course aims to teach students the principles that underlie the common law of contract and explain to students the effect of legislative intervention on the common law principles of contract law. Students will learn both the common law rules and legislation affecting contract law, as well as the ability to avoid contractual disputes and/or solve them.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, students will appreciate the function of contract law in business and know and understand the basic principles that underpin contract law. They will know and understand the fundamental rules of contract law and demonstrate a sound knowledge of relevant case law and legislation. In particular, students will be able to avoid or solve contractual disputes and problems by reference to case law and legislation.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	24
Tutorials	0
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	51

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Basic principles: contract freedom and form freedom; function of the courts; impact of legislation and European Community law; protection of the "weaker" partner: employees, agents, consumers, etc.

Fundamental rules: intention; offer and acceptance (consensus); incomplete agreements; consideration, estoppel and legitimate expectation; privity; formalities; capacity; formation and construction; contract terms; standard form contracts and exemption/exclusion clauses; invalidity; discharge; remedies.

Legislation (indicative): Sale of Goods Act, 1890; Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act, 1980; EC (Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts) Regulations, 1995; Consumer Credit Act, 1995; Consumer Information Act, 1978.

Types of contracts (indicative): contracts for the sale of goods, contracts for the supply of services; agency contracts, consumer credit contracts; restraint of trade contracts.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Indicative Reading List

Enright, M., Principles of Contract Law, Dublin: Clarus Press, 2007.

Clark, R., Contract Law in Ireland, 5th Ed., Dublin: Round Hall, 2004.

Clark, R. & Clarke, B., Contract Cases and Materials, 3rd ed., Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 2004.

Friel, R. The Law of Contract, 2nd ed., Dublin: Round Hall, 2000.

Atiyah, P.S. An Introduction to the Law of Contract, Clarendon, 1995.

Keenan, Aine., Essentials of Irish Business Law, 4th ed. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan, 2004.

Murphy, Eavan., Business & Company Law for Irish Students, Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 2004.

McDermott, P. Contract Law, Butterworths, 2001.

Richards, P. Law of Contract, 7th ed., Pearson, 2006.

Lecture notes and other required reading (journal articles, etc.) will be posted on Moodle (DCU's open source virtual learning environment). These can be accessed by DCU students only.

Journals:

Commercial Law Practitioner

Programme or List of Programmes

BA in Accounting & Finance

BCL

BCL (Law and Society)

Bachelor of Business Studies

BSI

Business Studies ( with INTRA )

EBF

BA in European Business (French)

EBG