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Contracts (LAWS50029)

Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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This subject studies:

  • the content of contracts;
  • the termination of contracts; and
  • invalidating factors in contract formation.

The study of contract builds on the foundations laid in LAWS50026 Obligations. It covers express terms (and their interpretation) and implied terms. The study of termination includes termination for breach, for failure of condition, and by frustration, and touches on the proprietary consequences of contracts. The study of invalidating factors includes misinformation (mistake, misrepresentation, misleading conduct), abuse of power (duress, undue influence, third party impropriety, unconscionable dealing, and unconscionable conduct) and illegality.

Intended learning outcomes

The aim of this subject is for students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of the law of contract through close reading of cases, statutes and scholarly writing, and through participation in class discussion. On completion of the subject, students should have a sound understanding of the law relating to the identification and interpretation of contract terms, and the grounds on which a contract can be rescinded or terminated, and will be able to:

  • critically analyse and challenge the basis of relevant contract law decisions.
  • develop creative arguments about how the relevant principles could be applied to novel fact situations.
  • identify relevant principles in cases and statutes.
  • evaluate relevant principles and analyse particular problems from a range of theoretical or comparative perspectives.
  • apply those principles to particular fact situations to reach well-reasoned conclusions about parties' rights and obligations.

Generic skills

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

  • The capacity for close reading and critical analysis of a range of sources relevant to contract law;
  • The capacity for critical, independent and creative thought and reflection on the role and function of contract law;
  • The capacity to solve complex problems related to contract law, including through the collection, analysis and evaluation of information; and
  • The capacity to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Last updated: 12 November 2022

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

All of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
LAWS50023 Legal Method and Reasoning
Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS50024 Principles of Public Law
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS50025 Torts
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5
LAWS50026 Obligations
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
 12.5

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 12 November 2022

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Option 1, Part 1: Optional interim assessment of an exam

  • 1 hours
First half of the teaching period30%

Option 1, Part 2: An exam

  • 2 hours
During the examination period70%

Option 2: Exam

  • 3 hours
During the examination period100%

Additional details

Note: Students must choose assessment from the options listed above. If an option contains parts, all parts must be completed if that option is chosen.

The due dates of the above assessment will be available to students via the Assessment Schedule on the JD LMS Community.

Last updated: 12 November 2022

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAndrew Robertson
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours
    Total time commitment144 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

Time commitment details

144 hours

Last updated: 12 November 2022

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    • Jeannie Paterson and Andrew Robertson, Contract Cases and Materials, 14th edition, 2020.
    • Specialist materials will be made available via the LMS.
  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseJuris Doctor
  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    If required, please contact law-admissions@unimelb.edu.au for subject coordinator approval.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 12 November 2022