LAW4702 · Competition and consumer law

Overview

This unit examines the linked areas of competition and consumer law. Building on prior knowledge in contract law, constitutional law and property law, the unit first examines the structure and content of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), and examines the theory and policy basis for the ACL. Specific topics include provisions dealing with unfair terms, consumer guarantees, unconscionability, manufacturers' liability, and product safety standards. The unit then examines the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and includes a critical analysis of the following topics: cartel conduct, misuse of market power, vertical conduct and mergers.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Identify, research, evaluate and synthesise legal and policy issues regarding Australia's legislative regime for competition and consumer law;
2. Critically assess the capacity of the legislative regime and its underlying regulatory strategies to promote just outcomes for the marketplace and the community;
3. Apply sophisticated intellectual and practical skills to evaluate, synthesis and apply provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act and related case law and generate appropriate and reasoned responses to complex legal problems;
4. Communicate effectively and appropriately to specified audiences; and
5. Work autonomously with accountability and professional responsibility.
6. Develop awareness of the role of law in regulating and facilitating commercial transactions.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.