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Unit of study_

LAWS5014: Corporations Law

Semester 2, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study examines the law affecting modern business corporations operating in Australia. It examines corporate law, the regulation of markets in corporate securities and the current Australian regulatory environment. Topics examined include corporate formation and the consequences of the company as an entity with its own personality, regulating the internal functioning of companies including the operation of the company's constitution and the role and duties of corporate directors to the company and its members, the rights and remedies available to shareholders to protect their investment, the authority of corporate officers and the responsibility of companies to outsiders for their actions, financing the company's operations through debt and equity, the external administration of companies in financial distress, winding up and deregistering companies, and regulating on-market and off-market transactions in corporate securities. We will evaluate current rules and doctrines, as well as proposals for their reform, in light of the economic and social policy considerations influencing their design and functioning.

Unit details and rules

Unit code LAWS5014
Academic unit Law
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
LAWS2014
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jason Harris, jason.harris@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Jason Harris, jason.harris@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Ross Hodgson, ross.hodgson@sydney.edu.au
Zofia Bednarz, zofia.bednarz@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final exam
2.5 hour final exam (+ 30 mins reading)
60% Formal exam period 2.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Participation Participation
Class participation
10% Ongoing Ongoing
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2
Supervised test
? 
In-semester test
1.5hr in-semester test (+30 min reading time)
30% Week 07
Due date: 15 Sep 2023 at 10:00
1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3 LO2

Assessment summary

Class participation (10%): Students will be assessed on their contribution to class discussions and activities on an ongoing basis.

This task targets Learning Outcome LO1 by requiring students to demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles of Australian corporate law in applying them correctly to hypothetical problem scenarios discussed in class. The task targets Learning Outcome LO2 by assessing the student's capacity to demonstrate critical thinking about the operation of the Corporations Act and the policies that underpin Australian corporate law in giving advice to a hypothetical client in the class discussion questions. This task also targets Learning Outcome LO3 by requiring students to critically evaluate the development of corporate law principles while taking into account different values and perspectives in answering hypothetical problem questions and contributing to general class discussions.

In-semester test (30%): Students will complete an in-semester supervised written test: 1.5hr + 30 min reading time. The test will be held on 15 September, commencing at 10am, and will conclude at 12 noon (Sydney, Australia time). The test will consist of one problem question. The exam will cover material drawn from lectures 1-6 (inclusive).

This task targets Learning Outcome LO1 by requiring students to demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles of Australian corporate law in applying them correctly to a hypothetical problem scenario presented in the exam paper. The task targets Learning Outcome LO2 by assessing the student's capacity to demonstrate critical thinking about the operation of the Corporations Act and the policies that underpin Australian corporate law in giving advice to a hypothetical client in the exam problem question. This task also targets Learning Outcome LO3 by requiring students to critically evaluate the development of corporate law principles while taking into account different values and perspectives in advising multiple parties involved in the hypothetical problem question in the exam paper.

Final exam (60%): Students will undertake a final supervised written exam (2.5hrs + 30 mins reading time) involving two problem questions (both compulsory). All topics will be examinable. The exam will be conducted during the formal exam period.

This task targets Learning Outcome LO1 by requiring students to demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts and principles of Australian corporate law in applying them correctly to hypothetical problem scenarios in the exam paper. The task targets Learning Outcome LO2 by assessing the student's capacity to demonstrate critical thinking about the operation of the Corporations Act and the policies that underpin Australian corporate law in giving advice to multiple parties in the exam problem questions. This task also targets Learning Outcome LO3 by requiring students to critically evaluate the development of corporate law principles while taking into account different values and perspectives of multiple parties in answering their hypothetical problem questions in the exam.

 

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

IMPORTANT NOTE: 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.

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 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 sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

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:

Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests and any late submission will not be accepted.

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.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Lecture 1: Introduction; history and theory; regulatory overview; business structures; setting up a company Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Lecture 2: Corporate fundraising Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 02 Lecture 3: Corporate personality and limited liability; an overview of corporate insolvency law Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 1: Introduction; history and theory; regulatory overview; business structures; setting up a company; corporate fundraising Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 03 Lecture 4: The corporate constitution; decision making organs of the company Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 2: Corporate personality and limited liability; an overview of corporate insolvency law Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 04 Lecture 5: Company meetings; introducing directors and officers Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 3: The corporate constitution; decision making organs of the company Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Lecture 6: Corporate liability in contract Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 4: Company meetings; introducing directors and officers Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 07 Lecture 7: Corporate liability in tort; Corporate criminal liability Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 5: Corporate liability in contract Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 08 Lecture 8: Directors’ and officers’ duties 1: the duty of good faith and the duty to act for a proper purpose; no profit rule Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 6: Corporate liability in tort; corporate criminal liability Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 10 Lecture 9: Directors’ and officers’ duties 2: no conflict rule; statutory duties Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 7: Directors’ and officers’ duties 1: the duty of good faith and the duty to act for a proper purpose; conflicts of interest Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 11 Lecture 10: Directors’ and officers’ duties 3: the duty of care and diligence; the business judgment rule Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 8: Directors’ and officers’ duties 2: the no profit rule; statutory duties Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 12 Lecture 11: Members' remedies Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 13 Optional revision lecture (30 October, repeated 31 October) Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Tutorial 9: Duty of care; BJR; Members' remedies Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

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

Students may use any one or more of the following textbooks or casebooks

(textbook) Bottomley, Hall, Spender, Nosworthy, Contemporary Australian Corporate Law, 2nd ed, 2018 (Cambridge University Press)

or

(casebook) Aoun, Armson, Dixon, Nehme, Redmond's Corporations and Financial Markets Law, 8th ed, 2022 (Thomsonreuters)

or

(casebook) Harris and Peters, Company Law: Theories, Principles and Applications, 3rd ed, 2023 (LexisNexis)

Students will also be expected to have access to  

  • Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (“CA”) and Australian Securities & Investments Commission Act 2001 (Cth) (“ASIC Act”).
  • For some classes required readings will be drawn from other books or articles, which will be hyperlinked by the library on the Reading List page on Canvas.

  • The Reading Guide containing the list of readings will be available on the Canvas site.

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.

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

  • LO1. understand and apply the key concepts and principles of corporate law to common scenarios through discussion and evaluation of hypothetical problems discussed in class
  • LO2. critically assess the operation of relevant legislation and policy in the core areas of corporate law through consideration of different stakeholder perspectives
  • LO3. critically evaluate the development of corporate law principles taking into account different values and perspectives

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

The outline has been revised to take student feedback into account. This has included reducing the amount of required reading.

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.