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  3. Fundamentals of Built Environment Law

Fundamentals of Built Environment Law (ABPL90290)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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An introduction to the principles and legal concepts that apply to the built environment professions and how this law develops and changes. The subject covers:

  • the fundamentals of common law;
  • liability in tort law for injury or loss caused to other people or their property;
  • legally binding contracts, their terms, obligations and breaches. These concepts extend into construction contracts, standard forms of contract, liabilities, litigation and arbitration;
  • concepts of property and ownership in Australia. The legal nature of land, improvements, fixtures and chattels, land registration systems and encumbrances. Co-ownership: subdivision, joint tenancy in common. licenses and leases. occupier's liability;
  • planning law;
  • environmental law;
  • intellectual property covering copyright, patents and consultancy issues.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject the student is expected to:



  • Have a sound general understanding of the principles and legal concepts of common law and tort law;
  • Be aware of the different forms of construction contracts and the characteristic features and differences between each;
  • Understand the land tenure systems in Australia including ownerships, subdivisions and property leasing arrangements;
  • Be familiar with planning and environmental laws, the implementation systems and adoption by the professions;
  • Have a basic understanding of ownership rights with respect to intellectual property.

Generic skills

On completion of the subject, students should have developed the following generic skills:

  • the capacity to analyse a range of legal environmental frameworks;
  • the capacity for critical and independent thought and reflection;
  • ability to find and apply legal principles within the environment professions.

Last updated: 3 November 2022