Outline

Overview

This unit aims to complete the study of tort law and contract law acquired in Torts and Contracts respectively and to encourage the integrated study of the law of civil obligations and remedies. Liabilities in tort, contract and under statute frequently overlap in practice. Equitable principles also play an important role in providing remedies in a contractual context. This course will also consider liability under the Australian Consumer Law. Core topics are: (a) Causation and remoteness of damage principles in contract law and the calculation of damages for breach of contract; (b) Vitiating factors and other factors affecting contracts, including: unfair or unconscionable dealing; unfair terms in contracts; mistake and misrepresentation; duress; and undue influence. This topic includes a study of equitable as well as common law principles and statutory rights and remedies; (c) Liability and remedies for misleading or deceptive conduct under statute (in particular, under s 18 of the Australian Consumer Law); (d) Trespass to Land including damage by aircraft; (e) Nuisance; (f) Intentional Interference with goods; (g) Negligence Liability for property damage and pure economic loss in tort, including liability for negligent misstatement, liability for economic loss suffered by third parties rather than the primary victim, liability for defective construction; (h) Proportionate liability where it applies to tort, contract and statutory liabilities. Other topics may be studied to the extent class time allows. These topics may include: the intentional economic torts such as deceit; breach of statutory duty; illegality in contract.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	LAWS1017
Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	LAWS5006
Prerequisites ?	LAWS1012 and LAWS1015
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Natalie Silver, natalie.silver@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Natalie Silver, natalie.silver@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Penelope Crossley, penelope.crossley@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Participation	Assigned class participation: 20% On-call participation	20%	Ongoing	Two panels
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	In-class quizzes: 30% In-class invigilated quiz	30%	Week 04 Due date: 14 Jul 2023 at 17:00	Two quizzes / 30 minutes each
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Short release assignment (50%) Problem based	50%	Week 06 Due date: 24 Jul 2023 at 10:00 Closing date: 27 Jul 2023	2500 words / 72 hours
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Class participation (20%)
Class participation is based on two assigned panels for leading class discussion. Panels will be allocated on the first day of classes. Students will be assigned to two panels and the final mark for this assessment will be based on the top mark out of the two marks received for each panel. Students who are unable to attend one of their allocated classes for participation will receive a final mark based on the other allocated class. Students who are unable to attend both of their allocated classes and obtain special consideration will be given an alternative or varied assessment task, the format to be determined by the unit coordinator. A failure to lead the class discussion in the allocated class will result in a mark of zero for the allocated panel and may lead to an Absent Fail grade.

In-class quizzes (30%)
Students will be required to complete two in-class quizzes – Quiz 1 on Friday 7 July and Quiz 2 on Friday 14 July – on the topics covered up to that date. The duration of each quiz will be 30 minutes. Students will receive a mark for each quiz, but only the top mark will be counted as the mark for this assessment. If a student misses one in-class quiz, the final mark will be based on the other quiz. If the student misses both in-class quizzes, the outcome of a successful special consideration application will be alternative/varied assessment, the format to be determined by the unit coordinator. The format of the in-class quiz will be determined by the unit coordinator, either online via Canvas or handwritten pen to paper.

Final short-release problem-based assignment (50%)
Final 72-hour short-release problem-based assignment with a 2,500 word limit, to be released on Friday 21 July at 10am Sydney Australia time and to be submitted by Monday 24 July at 10am Sydney, Australia time. It will cover all topics. The outcome of a successful special consideration application for the final problem question will ordinarily be an extension of time until the closing date (as specified in the Assessment Table), otherwise an alternative/varied assessment will be provided, the format to be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment requirement to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

Word limit penalty: A piece of assessment which exceeds the prescribed word limit will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment for every 100 words, or part thereof. The total word count written assessments will include in-text referencing and exclude any bibliography (if required).

Use of editors or proof-readers: The use of assistance in preparing and editing assessment tasks in this unit of study is strictly prohibited. Assistance includes human and automated writing tools (not including spell checking).

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Completely answers the question. Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	Completely answers the question. Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. Generally well expressed and free from errors. Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. Contains no significant errors. Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. Contains some significant errors. Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. Offers a descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. Adequate expression. Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	Does not answer the question. Contains significant or numerous errors. Few or no identifiable arguments. Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. Lack of research or analysis. Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The late submission of a piece of assessment, which has not been granted an extension, will attract a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the piece of assessment per calendar day or part thereof. For example, a submission after the due time but by 11.59pm on the due date will attract a 10% penalty. A submission after midnight of the due date for submission will attract a 20% penalty. A submission on the following day after midnight will attract a 30% penalty, and so on. Late penalties will be strictly applied. The date and time of submission as recorded by Canvas is taken as the official and final record of a student’s submission.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Ongoing	Topic 1. Introduction; Topic 2. Causation and remoteness of damage in contract	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Problem Set – Topic 2; Topic 3. Measure of damages in contract and sums fixed by contract	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Problem Set – Topic 3; Topic 4. Introduction to vitiating factors and the remedy of rescission	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Topic 5. Duress and mistake; Topic 6. Undue influence, unconscionable conduct and unfair contract terms	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Problem Set – Topics 4-6; Topic 7. Misrepresentation at common law and statutory liability for misleading or deceptive conduct	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Problem Set – Topic 7 Quiz 1	Seminar (3.5 hr)
	Topic 8. The tort of trespass to land; Topic 9. The tort of private nuisance; Topic 10. Tort liability for interference with goods	Seminar (8 hr)
	Problem Set – Topics 8-10; Topic 11. Liability in tort for purely economic Loss I: Negligent misstatements and professional negligence; Topic 12. Liability in tort for purely economic loss II: Third party property damage and third party injury	Seminar (8 hr)
	Topic 13. Multiple wrongdoers: proportionate liability Problem Set – Topics 11-13 Quiz 2	Seminar (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of classes (or as otherwise specified by the Unit Coordinator) to satisfy the pass requirements for each unit of study. Attendance requirements may be satisfied by in person attendance as specified by the Unit Coordinator. Failure to meet this requirement may result in a student being precluded from sitting the final assessment. 

Referencing: The Sydney Law School expects you to use the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (4th edition, 2018) for your footnoting style, although you should confirm this with your lecturer, and a link to the library website where this is set out comprehensively is available at https://libguides.library.usyd.edu.au/c.php?g=508212&p=3476376 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

A Robertson, J Paterson, Contract: Cases and Materials (Thomson Reuters, 14th ed, 2020)

A Robertson, J Paterson, Principles of Contract Law (Thomson Reuters, 6th ed, 2020)

JW Carter, Cases and Materials on Contract Law in Australia (LexisNexis, 7th ed, 2019)

JW Carter, Contract Law in Australia (LexisNexis, 7th ed, 2018 or 8th edition 2023)

AND

B McDonald, R Anderson & D Rolph, Cases on Torts, 6th ed, Federation Press, 2017 (a supplement to this book is available at www.federationpress.com.au).

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. To an advanced level, identify and describe relevant legal principles of tort and contract law in hypothetical problem situations discussed in the unit and embedded in assessment tasks.
LO2. Critically evaluate and apply relevant principles of tort and contract law using appropriate legal authorities to respond to assessment tasks.
LO3. Develop effective and persuasive written and oral legal arguments synthesising knowledge of torts and contract law to an advanced level when responding to class discussion and assessment tasks.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has been restructured since it was last offered and the assessment has been changed.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

LAWS1017: Torts and Contracts II

Intensive July, 2023 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect