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Unit of study_

LAWS3419: Competition Law

2024 unit information

This unit of study examines competition law and policy as a key form of market regulation in Australia. The principal focus is on Part IV of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). By way of background we will critically examine the fundamental purposes of competition law policy, the role of competition as a disciplining force on market conduct as well as alternatives to competition. Specific topics include: (i) common law antecedents of competition law; (ii) National Competition Policy and legislation; (iii) elementary economic theory of monopoly and the goals of competition policy; (iv) fundamental concepts of competition, market definition, market power and public benefit; (v) horizontal anticompetitive arrangements including cartels; (vi) vertical anticompetitive arrangements; (vii) unilateral anticompetitive conduct; (viii) notifications and authorisations; (ix) mergers and acquisitions; (x) overview of remedies and enforcement. Whenever possible, the unit will make reference to comparative provisions and enforcement from other jurisdictions.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Law

Code LAWS3419
Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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LAWS5119
Assumed knowledge:
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None

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

  • LO1. evaluate the impact of economic, legal and political factors on Australian competition regulation
  • LO2. critically analyse various theories of competition regulation and ascertain the objectives of competition law
  • LO3. formulate strategies to assess market structure and conduct based on established principles
  • LO4. apply established principles, precedent and factual assessment in resolving complex market competition issues
  • LO5. analyse key economic concepts used in relation to their application in competition law
  • LO6. articulate competitive analysis to non-specialist audiences in the commercial and legal sectors
  • LO7. integrate the objectives of competition enforcement within the commercial and policy context

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 2 2024
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2021
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2022
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 2 2023
Normal evening Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.

Important enrolment information

Departmental permission requirements

If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.

You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.

Read our information on departmental permission.