OLCD-PALS0023 - Law Essentials for Business

Course Description

The Law Essentials for Business is a 12-week course designed to provide participants with practical knowledge that can be used in the business world. The course covers topics such as: contract law, negligence, legislation applicable to the workplace, employment law, setting up a business, intellectual property and electronic commerce. It will highlight some key areas of the law that will help participants recognize when legal professions should be consulted.

Law Essentials for Business is delivered in an online format. It will be taught through group discussions, case studies, live interactive lectures, guest speakers and interesting video, and audio and written content.

Course Outline

Module 1: The Canadian Legal System

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain what it means to be a “sophisticated client”
2. Identify when and how to hire a lawyer
3. Define “law” and the sources of law in Canada
4. Understand the basic rights protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and human rights legislation
5. Describe the Canadian court system and alternative means to resolve disputes

Module 2: Torts Impacting Business

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand the role of tort law in a business setting
2. Explain vicarious liability
3. Describe acts of defamation, breach of confidential information, passing-off
4. Identify issues related to protection of privacy in the workplace
5. Detail the elements of negligence
6. Describe occupiers’ liability, product liability, and professional liability
7. Understand the four types of insurance businesses commonly need
8. Explain the importance of insurance being a contract of utmost good faith

Module 3: Live Interactive Lecture on Tort Law

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify issues of tort law that arise in a business setting
2. Analyze real situations to determine if a tort has been committed

Module 4: Guest Speaker

Module 5: Contract Law and Business - Part 1

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain the 5 elements of a contract
2. Identify issues with offer and acceptance and forming legal contractual relationships

Module 6: Contract Law and Business - Part 2

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify issues that affect contractual relationships
2. Understand what remedies may apply in certain circumstances
3. Explain the rules related to privity and assignment of contracts

Module 7: Live Interactive Lecture on Contract Law

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify issues of contract law that arise in a business setting
2. Analyze real situations to determine if a contractual relationship is breached

Module 8: Types of Business Organizations

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Understand an agency relationship
2. Explain the three main types of business organizations
3. Compare the pros and cons of each type of business organization

Module 9: Corporations

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain the legal nature of a corporation
2. Understand the process of incorporation
3. Discuss how corporations are funded
4. Identify the roles and responsibilities of directors, officers, and shareholders

Module 10: Employment

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Distinguish between employees and independent contractors
2. Understand common law and legislative rights and obligations of employers and employees
3. Compare a unionized and non-unionized workplace setting

Module 11: Intellectual Property - Live Interactive Lecture

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify the five main types of intellectual property
2. Develop ways to reduce business risk in relation to intellectual property
3. Explain how the internet has impacted business and intellectual property rights
4. Understand why intellectual property enhances value and provides strategic advantages to businesses

Module 12: Other Legislation Affecting the Business Setting

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify other areas of law that affect businesses:

• Environmental protection laws
• Workplace safety laws
• Consumer protection laws
• Competition laws
• International trade laws and treaties

What You Will Learn

By the end of this 12-week course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the legal implications of taking various actions in the business world
• Recognize when legal professions should be consulted

Notes

This course has scheduled written assignments and scheduled discussions within the term time frame. Course syllabus will be available on the course site.  

The Faculty of OLCD recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.

Recommended For

• Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those hoping to learn more about business law to help them navigate their current positions

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Certificate in Business Management : Required
• Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies : Elective Program - Business Management