70107 Principles of Company Law

Description

This subject critically examines the role and operation of companies in Australia and in modern commercial practice. Companies are pervasive throughout society including both in the commercial, not-for-profit and charitable sectors. This subject facilitates the development of knowledge and skills that law graduates need to understand and work with companies. Both for-profit and not-for-profit companies are examined and compared with other common business structures involving trusts and associations, but the primary focus is on companies registered under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The internal operation of companies is assessed and examined in detail, particularly the role of members, meetings, the corporate constitution, the board of directors and the duties of corporate directors and other officers. The topic of separate corporate personality is also discussed, together with the role of the limited liability principles and their application to real world situations. Students work through a range of practical exercises during seminars that help them develop skills to work as corporate lawyers and to work within commercial companies. Students consider and discuss in seminars the role of state regulation of corporate activity using a range of social, political and theoretical perspectives and undertake a research essay that draws together principles, doctrines and ethical issues in Australian company law.