Module Descriptors
COMMERCIAL LAW - LAW OF SALE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (BLOCK TEACHING)
LAWS61179
Key Facts
Faculty of Business, Education and Law
Level 6
30 credits
Contact
Leader:
Email:
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 32
Independent Study Hours: 268
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
  • ASSIGNMENT weighted at 50%
  • PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%
Module Details
Module Resources
Textbook
Study Guide
Westlaw/LexisNexis
Blackboard site
Module Special Admissions Requirements
It is advisable that students have studied some element of contract law, commercial law or business law before embarking on this module.
Module Additional Assessment Details
An ESSAY or PROBLEM length 3000 WORDS weighted at 50%.
A PORTFOLIO length 3000 WORDS weighted at 50%.

PROBLEM QUESTION (50%) - Semester One
Students are required to submit a problem question of 3000 words which will assess learning outcomes 1, 2, 6 and 7.

PORTFOLIO (50%) - Semester Two
Students are required to submit a portfolio of 3000 words which consists of 2 pieces of work (equally weighted):

Task 1
Written Assignment which will assess Learning Outcomes 3, 6 and 7

Task 2
Research Exercise which will assess Learning Outcomes 3, 4, 5, and 7

The overall pass mark for the module is 40%. Marks less than 25% for any of the individual components cannot be compensated.
Module Texts
Atiyah, Adams, and MacQueen, The Sale of Goods, Pearson/Longman
Consumer Protection Law: TBA. New regulations have made vast quantities of existing textbooks redundant. New titles will be available for inspection shortly. The most up-to-date texts at present are:
G Woodroffe & R Lowe Woodroffe & Lowes's Consumer Law and Practice Sweet & Maxwell
J Tillson Law Express: Consumer and Commercial law Pearson/Longman
Module Learning Strategies
WHOLE GROUP SESSIONS (LECTURES)
In these sessions students will be introduced to the general concepts underlying the subject, and be provided with an outline of the relevant legal principles and cases. Students will be given handouts and study packs. Some of the sessions will include collaborative activities to focus on skills such a teamwork, negotiation, presentation and research.

SMALL GROUP SESSIONS (TUTORIALS)
These will be preceded by a period of independent student-centred learning. The module study guide contains indicative reading and IT exercises for each session, together with subjects for discussion and case studies. The purpose of the small group sessions is to help students assess their understanding of the topic, to develop analytical skills, and to learn how to apply knowledge and principles to factual situations. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used to enhance knowledge and understanding in the tutorial.

DIRECTED STUDY AND INDEPENDENT LEARNING
This will consist of preparation for the work to be undertaken in small group sessions, workshops and assessment. Students will be provided with guidance in their module study guide.
Module Indicative Content
Law of Sale
For any commercial lawyer, the area of sale is an exciting and dynamic environment which not only demands a high level of academic understanding but which also draws significantly on 'legal skills'. This module is designed to provide a means by which students can acquire the knowledge and skills relevant to transactions involving the transfer of property in goods. Thus the module is well suited to those intending to work in a trading environment. The main areas covered are the common law principles and statutory provisions relating to the sale of goods and negotiating contracts generally. This module is of a highly practical nature and incorporates a variety of learning methods whereby commercial skills can be developed.

Students will cover:
- The need for and development of a law of sale
- Sale of Goods Act 1979 implied conditions in ss12-15.
- Payment and delivery of goods
- Common law control of exclusion clauses
- Statutory control of exclusion clauses
- Acceptance of goods
- Buyer's Remedies
- Seller's Remedies
- E-Commerce

Consumer Protection Law
Students opting for this module will be introduced to the civil and criminal liability of manufacturers and retailers. It would therefore suit those with aspirations to work in a trading environment. Attention is paid to design, manufacturing and marketing considerations.
The modules should also be of interest to those interested in working in a legal advice or regulatory capacity.
The subject draws on the law of contract and tort. The module deals with the UK legislation but it is necessary to examine European measures in this field as consumer protection is actively promoted there.

Students will typically study:
- The national and international framework of Consumer Protection Law.
- Influences on this area
- The Consumer Protection Act 1987 Part 1
- The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
- Enforcement
- Self Regulation
- Advertising & Marketing

This is consequently a dynamic subject and a number of the topics covered will be the subject of proposed or pending reforms.