Module: Principles of Business
Principles of Business
Topic: Introduction to Law (1)Introduction
Stage 2 Lecture 7
3
Law within Principles of Business
1. Introduction2. The Legal System3. Introduction to Contracts4. Introduction to Tort Law
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Learning Outcomes
• Explain the significance of the rule of law • Explain key characteristics of English law.• Demonstrate understanding of the difference
between civil and criminal liability• List the areas of law which have most impact
on business.
Settle disputes
Encourage good
behaviour
Promote justice
Provide predictability
Punish wrong-doing
Reflect society’s
values
Compensate victims
Create a framework
Protect human rights
What is law for?
Framework
Property
Divorce
Setting up a business
Commerce
Death
B4004A L1 7
Predictability
Reflect society’s values
seulaV
Settle disputes
B4004A L1 10
Punish wrong-doing
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Characteristics of English law
• Gradually evolving• Common law – not Roman law• (Partly) made by judges – doctrine of
precedent• Adversarial rather than inquisitorial• Monarch is nominal head
B4004A L1 12
Classifications of English Law
Civil Criminal
Criminal CivilVertical HorizontalFor behaviour which affects society generally
For behaviour which affects individuals
Punishment for an offence - sentence
Compensation for a wrong – damages or other remedy
Crown prosecutes Defendant
Claimant sues Defendant
Proof beyond reasonable doubt
Proof on balance of probabilities
B4004A L1 14
Criminal CivilVerdict – Guilty or not guilty
Judgment for one party or the other
Most cases brought by Crown Prosecution Service
Cases brought by party affected
Magistrates or Crown Court
County Court/High Court
R v Smith Smith v Jones
Classifications of English Law
Public
Private
Criminal ConstitutionalAdministrative
Human Rights
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Private law categories
• Contract Law• Tort Law• Property Law – Land Law, Intellectual
Property, Trusts, Succession• Family Law• Employment Law• Company Law• [EU Law]
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The Rule of Law
1. No sanction without breach2. No one is above the law and all must be
subject to jurisdiction in the same courts3. Common law system with judge-made law
secures the rights of individuals
State must use its power according to agreed rules and not arbitrarily.
A.V. Dicey
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“all persons and authorities within the state, whether public or private, should be bound by and entitled to the benefit of laws publicly made, taking effect (generally) in the future and publicly administered in the courts.”
Bingham 2011
Rule of Law (2)
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Some of the principles of the rule of law
• The law must be accessible and so far as possible intelligible, clear and predictable.
• Questions of right and liability should ordinarily be resolved by application of the law and not the exercise of discretion.
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Summary
• Meaning of rule of law• Characteristics of England law• Difference between civil and criminal law• Different areas of law
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Essential work for next week
• Please consult the OLE for details of:– Essential readings*– Seminar preparation work*– Recommended further readings– Any additional learning
* Essential readings and preparation work must always be completed in time for the next session
End of presentation
© Pearson College 2013