Module Information

Module Identifier
LC13820
Module Title
Contract Law
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Essay  1500 words  50%
Semester Exam 1.5 Hours   Unseen exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Written Essay  1500 words  50%
Supplementary Exam 1.5 Hours   Unseen exam  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of the law of contract and analyse their relevance and application.

2. Identify correctly the crucial elements required for a legally binding contract.

3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the construction and enforceability of a contract.

4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the scope of contract law, identifying problems and considering options for reform.

5. Construct relevant arguments on the basis of relevant law and case facts in order to develop basic skills in reading; understanding and applying the relevant legal texts (cases or legislation) to legal problems; and showing developing skills to interpret and analyse legal rules and texts in an adequate manner.

Brief description

The module sets out the general requirements for a valid contract. It also looks at procedural unfairness and the parties to the contract. Different aspects of the terms of the contract are also studied. The module then looks at contract performance and breach, and the remedies available.

Content

​Note that the Level 2 students attend the Level 1 lectures in this module. HOWEVER, in order to reflect their Level 2 status, (i) their examinations, and (ii) seminar work are different and are set at a higher level.

The module aims to inform students of the key principles of the different areas set out above, as well as considering the specific legal elements of these principles, primarily through study of relevant case law, but also legislation

Content

  • Introduction to the Law of Contract
  • Contract Formation
  • Consideration
  • Duress
  • Capacity & Legality
  • Privity of Contract
  • Express and Implied Terms
  • Classification of Terms
  • Incorporation of Terms
  • Construction of Terms
  • Exemption Clauses
  • Contract Misrepresentation
  • Mistake
  • Undue Influence
  • Contract Frustration
  • Performance and Breach of Contract
  • Remedies
  • Restitution

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication The module will develop students’ written communication skills by way of the examination. In addition, student will develop their oral communication skills through individual and group responses to set work on the seminars.
Improving own Learning and Performance Seminar participation and exam preparation develop different aspects of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources through the dissemination of ideas to others orally, and developing written communication skills.
Information Technology Library and research skills are fundamental to preparation for seminars and assessed work.
Personal Development and Career planning Recommended topic for any considering working in criminal practice/criminal justice system.
Problem solving The module will develop students’ problem-solving skills in a number of ways. Students will be required to analyse a range of sources and texts in order to answer problem-solving questions in the seminars; AND in their examination.
Research skills Students are expected to research and synthesize a range of academic source material in preparing for their seminars and for their examination.
Subject Specific Skills Legal research: use of legal databases as a resource for statute and case law Reading primary sources in the way of cases and legislation Problem solving exercises in seminars will assist in examination problem-solving style questions, and, more widely, in the legal profession.
Team work The seminars will include problem-solving and group discussions which will provide opportunities for students to develop team-working skills and discuss their thoughts with the rest of the class.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4