CE4509: Contract Law
| School | Continuing and Professional Education |
| Department Code | LEARN |
| Module Code | CE4509 |
| External Subject Code | 100482 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Ms Helen Miller |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
This course examines the creation of legally binding agreements in English Law. Throughout the course students will explore the requirements of valid legal contract; how this is dealt with by common law and equity; explain the remedies available for someone who has had a contractual obligation breached; and discuss contractual composition and remedies.
Aims
To provide students with an overview of the different theories underpinning modern Contract Law
To give students an understanding of what is required to make a valid legal contract and what situations will afford the contract holder a right to rescind the contract.
To discuss contractual remedies.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
* communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
* work effectively on an individual and group basis
* make notes from class lectures and other sources
* research and collate data from a variety of sources
How the module will be delivered
Lectures followed by discussion
20 contact hours
Skills that will be practised and developed
Knowledge and Understanding:
- show understanding of the requirements of a valid legal contract, and how this is dealt with by common law and equity
- explain the remedies available for someone who has had a contractual obligation breached
- discuss contractual composition and remedies
Intellectual Skills:
* relate provided material and material individually researched to the topics studied
* show an understanding of the topics through explanations in both written and oral form
* consider arguments/opinions and show an understanding and knowledge of relevant legal authorities
* develop own learning through reading and research of topics under study
* be aware of how and why the particular cases and legislation are used in given topics
Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:
* consider legal problems and apply relevant law to given situations
* maintain knowledge and understanding through reading information on current debates/reforms
How the module will be assessed
Class discussion, class test (open book, multiple choice) and assignment
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Contract Law | N/A |
Syllabus content
Definition of a contract; essentials of a valid contract; intention to create legal relations; offer; difference between an offer and an invitation to treat; counter-offer; acceptance; communication of acceptance; what is ‘consideration’?; valuable consideration; past consideration; other forms of consideration; misrepresentation – innocent and fraudulent; duress and undue influence; illegality; discharge of contract; discharge by subsequent impossibility or frustration; breach of contract; remedies for breach of contract; remoteness of damage and measure of damages; types of damage; specific performance and injunction; limitation of action.
Essential Reading and Resource List
E. McKendrick, Contract Law (Macmillan, 4th. edition)
J. C. Smith and J.A.C. Thomas, Casebook on Contract (Sweet and Maxwell)