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  3. Principles of Construction Law

Principles of Construction Law (LAWS70314)

Graduate coursework level 7Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville) and Off Campus

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Overview

Availability(Quotas apply)
February - On Campus
July - Off Campus
July - On Campus
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This subject is designed for construction law students without prior legal training (Construction Law is for students who have a law degree). It provides an overview of the broad spread of the construction law curriculum, from the statutory and common law landscape through legal aspects of project procurement and contracting to dispute avoidance and resolution options. This subject also provides detailed treatment of legal issues specific to construction law such as variations, quality, time and payment. The seminar format is supplemented by exercises to develop students’ skills in contract preparation and writing legal hypotheticals, and includes sessions on construction law research tools and techniques.

Principal topics include:

  • Overview of the regulatory regime for construction contracting
  • Causes of action in construction disputes
  • Contracting methodologies
  • Contract administration: standard forms of contract, tendering, contract preparation and minimising legal exposure
  • Role and liability of superintendents
  • Issues relating to sub-contracts
  • Variations
  • Quality of work
  • Latent conditions
  • Time, programming and liquidated damages
  • Contractual mechanisms for payment and security of payment legislation
  • Security for performance
  • Insurance
  • Dispute avoidance procedures and alternative dispute resolution
  • Construction litigation and arbitration (domestic and international).

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject will:



  • Have an advanced and integrated understanding, in an inter-disciplinary context, of the role and function of law in relation to construction projects
  • Have enhanced their expert and specialised cognitive and technical skills required to practise as a professional engaged with legal aspects of the construction industry
  • Be familiar with, be able to critically reflect on, and be confident in working across, the interaction between the technical, commercial and legal aspects of construction procurement
  • Be able to demonstrate the analytical and communication skills required to independently investigate, examine and synthesise existing and emerging legal issues relating to construction projects.

Last updated: 3 November 2022