COMM 393: Commercial Law - at the University of British Columbia

This course examines the Common Law and statutory rules that shape business. We begin by learning how cases are decided in Common Law courts. Students then examine the elements of contract law to understand how to build a formal legal relationship and the circumstances where it can be challenged or invalidated. The course also explores what happens when legal relationships break down and the types of consequences that follow. Finally, we close the course by looking at the professional liability and fiduciary duties of business persons to their clients and others. Course components include reviewing relevant law, namely through analyzing judicial decisions and relevant statutes and then applying that understanding with critical consideration of legal, moral and ethical problems in business.

What You'll Learn:

• Describe sources of business law and Canada’s court system.
• Outline key rights and responsibilities flowing from the Constitution and Charter of Rights.
• Describe the components required to form a contract.
• Identify contractual pitfalls, including when a contract may be set aside.
• Explain and apply contractual interpretation.
• Describe the discharge or breach of a contract and related consequences.
• Assess the validity and enforceability of exclusion clauses.
• Apply the Sale of Goods Act to common transactions.
• Discuss professional liability, with particular reference to negligence and fiduciary duty.
• Describe the hallmarks and responsibilities of an agency relationship.
• Explain the different organizational forms of a business and related liability.

* COMM 393 is the prerequisite course for COMM 431, which examines the law governing sole proprietorships, partnerships (all types), corporations, franchises, and joint ventures. COMM 431 is a great course for future entrepreneurs.