The Contracts course is one of the foundation subjects in the JD programs. It examines a central aspect of the law of obligations. In this course we look at the evolution of contract, its central role in a market economy and the criteria for making legally enforceable promissory obligations. The requirements for the formation of a binding contract are examined together with the content of agreements. This involves an examination of the associated rules and doctrines used to ascertain the meaning and scope of the obligations expressly or impliedly undertaken by the parties to a contract.
We will also be looking at breach of contract and its consequences, including a consideration of the remedies available at common law and in equity. The law of contract is affected and influenced by a range of other legal doctrines and statutory measures, notably the doctrines of estoppel, duress, undue influence and unconscionable conduct and the statutory prohibition on misleading or deceptive conduct. Throughout the course we consider the foundational rules and doctrines of contract law and the effect on contract law of these other areas of law.
Contract law is an important foundation for other compulsory and elective courses taken later in the degree including Property and Commercial Law.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- At the conclusion of this course, if students have successfully completed all the course requirements, it is expected that they should be able to:
- - define, distinguish and apply the basic concepts and terminology of the law of contract;
- - define and distinguish amongst the various processes involved in contract formation; contract construction; and remedies for breach of contract;
- - construct a proposition of contract law established by case law;
- - identify the relevant legal issues that arise on a given set of facts in the area of contract law;
- - distinguish the facts in decided cases from those in a given set of facts;
- - recognise and appraise the interaction between contract formation and construction;
- - formulate oral and written arguments in response to a given set of facts;
- - select and apply a range of approaches to written communication, and apply the critical thinking required to bring about creative solutions to complex legal problems in the area of contract law;
- - Use, interpret and apply a wide range of primary materials in both on-line and traditional media from international and national sources;
- - Use legal citation conventions appropriately in the course of legal writing;
Indicative Assessment
- It is anticipated there will be two assessment components for this course: (null) [LO null]
- take home assignment (eg. case note) (null) [LO null]
- a final take home problem-based examination (null) [LO null]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week (a minimum of 36 hours). Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
To be confirmed
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4830 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $6420 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4150 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | View |
| 4151 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | Online | View |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7881 | 27 Jul 2020 | 03 Aug 2020 | 31 Aug 2020 | 30 Oct 2020 | Online or In Person | View |