Registry
Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.
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| Description | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This module provides a general introduction to the main features of both the Irish legal system. It considers aspects of Irish law which are of particular relevance to businesses, including contract, tort, company and employment law. The course also considers the impact which membership of the European Community has had on commercial law in Ireland. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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1. Identify and describe the main sources of law and the principal legal institutions in Ireland. 2. Describe the law making institutions and processes of the European Union and explain the impact which EU membership has had on the Irish legal system 3. Explain the rules and principals of Irish contract, tort and employment law as they apply to businesses operating in Ireland 4. Apply the rules and principals of Irish contract, tort and employment law to common commercial situations 5. Identify and describe the principal rules of Irish company law with particular reference to the legal regulation of accounting in Ireland. 6. Apply the rules and principals of Irish company law to common commercial problems. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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| Indicative Content and Learning Activities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Introduction to the Irish Legal System. The context: executive, legislative and judicial branches of State; basic principles of law: criminal and civil; the legal profession; the organisation of the court system, including first instance and appeals jurisdiction; enforcement of law: criminal and civil remedies; judicial review of decision-making tribunals; introduction to alternative dispute resolution.. Original sources of Irish law. Common law, including the doctrine of precedent; statute law, including procedure for passing legislation, interpretation and secondary legislation; the Constitution, including constitutional rights and review.. EU Law. EU law as a source of Irish law; the legal nature of the European Community and the European Union; main features of the Treaties establishing the EC/EU, including amendments; the main institutions of the EC/EU; direct legal effects of European law on Irish law; effect of enlargement of the EC/EU.. Contract Law. Formation and terms of a contract; express terms, implied terms, conditions, warranties, exclusion clauses; offer, acceptance, invitation to treat, consideration; factors vitiating a contract, misrepresentation, mistake; termination of a contract; law in relation to the formation and use of electronic contracts; sale and supply of goods and services, EC Directives and unfair contract terms, the role of the Director of Consumer Affairs.. Tort Law. What is a tort? Doctrine of vicarious liability; the tort of negligence; duty of care, standard of care, breach of a standard of care, causation; professional negligence; remedies.. Employment Law. employment contracts; the distinction between employee and independent contractor, and the significance of this distinction for tax purposes; terms and conditions of employment; client confidentiality and Data Protection Law; employment equality; dismissal.. Planning Law. property law; landlord-tenant law;. Types of Companies. Consequences of incorporation, limited companies contrasted with partnerships; Unincorporated associations and bodies corporate, companies limited by guarantee and by shares, statutory companies.. Formation of the Company. Company name, registration, memorandum and articles of association, Table A; Membership; Membership, restriction of membership, rights of shareholders.. Membership and Capital. Concept of capital maintenance, distributions; transfer of shares, restrictions on transfer and membership, third party interest in shares; alteration of rights; increase and reduction of share capital; debentures. Management. Directors, secretary, and auditors: their obligations, functions and removal.. The Company Secretary. Meetings, types of meetings, notice, resolutions requiring special notice.. Accounts and Disclosure. Books, accounts, records and disclosures as required by the Companies Acts with particular reference to statutory books, records and returns to the Registrar of Companies during the life of a company; Data Protection Law; law applicable to money laundering and accountants duties in relation to this.. Liquidation, Receivership and Examination.. Statutory Regulation of Companies. Companies Acts 1963-2005, European Union (Companies: Group Accounts) Regulations 1992 SI No 201 of 1992, European Communities (Fair Value Accounting) Regulations 2004 SI No 765 of 2004, and, European Communities (International Financial Reporting Standards and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2005 SI No 116 of 2005. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Indicative Reading List | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Other Resources | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PDA | Professional Diploma in Accounting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timetable this semester: Timetable for LG501 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of Last Revision | 27-MAR-12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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