LAW101 Introduction to Business Law
Unit Code
LAW101
Level
Undergraduate
Campus
Brisbane | Sydney
Prerequisites
None
Credit Points
10
Overview
Introduction to Business Law (LAW101) provides you with an introduction to the law regulating business in Australia today. The subject seeks to develop your knowledge and understanding of the Australian legal system and sources of law in Australia. Topic areas covered include: the commercial legal responsibilities and risks of doing business, key aspects of the law of torts, contracts and consumer protection, and the law associated with starting, managing, financing and closing companies and other business entities.
Associated Degrees
Bachelor of Business (Information Systems)
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
Duration | AQF Level
One Semester | Level 7
Core or elective Subject
☒ core subject
☐ elective subject
Study Modes
√ Face to face on site
√ Full-time
√ Part-time
Subject Learning Summary
The subject introduces the Australian legal system and the processes through which laws are created and applied. It examines civil liability and negligence in business, together with contract formation, privity, agency, contractual terms and legality. Students also explore consumer guarantees, contractual rights and remedies, Australian Consumer Law, agency relationships, companies and incorporated associations.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe and discuss the Australian legal system and the legal context in which businesses operate
- Identify situations in which legal proceedings may be necessary and describe the key processes and considerations involved in initiating and managing legal action in a business context
- Identify and analyse legal issues and problems as they apply to businesses (and hypothetical situations) and recommend potential courses of action with an emphasis on legal precedent
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different legal structures and business entities in relation to their formation, operation, and legal obligations
- Apply a knowledge and understanding of Australian business law to identify commercial legal problems and explain the legal responsibilities and risks of doing business
Assessment
AIIHE uses a variety of assessment tools to guide and assess each student’s achievement of their learning outcomes. In this subject there will be in–class activities intended to support you to engage in and reflect on your learning journey and understanding of the subject. You will also undertake assessment tasks related to your skills development, your effective engagement in group work and delivery of collaborative outcomes, including a written report and an oral presentation.
Summary of Assessment
- Students must attempt all assessment tasks, and at least a mark of 50% in total, to pass this subject.
- Assessment in this subject is consistent with and informed by the AIIHE Assessment Policy and Procedure.
| Assessment Task | Due Date | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Individual in-class self-reflection |  Week 3-12 | 10% |
| Assessment 2: Individual in-class test (Week 1-6) | Week 8 | 25% |
| Assessment 3: Presentation 9-12 mins | Week 10-11 | 30% |
| Assessment 4: Final exam | Week 13 | 35% |
Learning Resources
AIIHE will update the topic coverage of the subject and the available relevant learning resources at the time of subject delivery. In the interim, AIIHE provides the following indicative list of relevant reference material. AIIHE also subscribes to eLearning Resources through the Canvas portal, and where relevant material is available, AIIHE will seek to source reference material from this system for staff and student access.
Prescribed text
- Gibson, A. and Fraser, D., 2025. Business law. 12th ed. Sydney: Pearson Australia.
Texts and References
- Widiarty, W.S. and Tehupeiory, A., 2024. The role of business law in improving consumer protection in the digital age. Journal of Law and Sustainable Development, 12(2), pp.1-12.
Recommended Reading
- Thampapillai, D., Bozzi, C., Giancaspro, M. and Tian, G.Y., 2020. Australian commercial law. Cambridge University Press.
- James, N., 2024. Business law. John Wiley & Sons.
- Micheler, E., 2021. Company law: a real entity theory. Oxford University Press.