Business Law

Business Law provides students with a comprehensive exploration of legal principles governing business entities. This course aims to equip students with a detailed understanding of key topics, including forms of business organisation, legal personality, corporate veil, company formation, capital structure, shareholder relations, corporate governance, and liquidation.

1. Introduction
The introductory module sets the foundation for the study of business law. Students explore the historical development of business law, its societal significance, and the fundamental concepts that underpin the legal framework governing business entities.

2. Forms of Business Organisation
This section explores various forms of business organisations, including sole proprietorship, partnership, and companies. Students examine the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of each form, laying the groundwork for more detailed discussions on companies.

3. Legal Personality
Legal personality is a foundational concept in business law. This module delves into the idea that a company has a distinct legal personality separate from its members, exploring the implications of this separation for rights, liabilities, and legal standing.

4. Corporate Veil
The corporate veil is a crucial aspect of legal personality. Students examine the circumstances under which the corporate veil may be lifted, exposing shareholders to direct liability. The module explores the legal principles and implications associated with piercing the corporate veil.

5. Company Formation
Company formation is a key process in business law. This module provides a detailed analysis of the steps involved in forming a company, the legal documents required, and the regulatory compliance associated with this process.

6. Equity Capital
Equity capital is a fundamental aspect of corporate financing. Students explore the issuance of shares, rights issues, and other mechanisms through which companies raise equity capital, understanding the rights and obligations of shareholders.

7. Debt Capital
Debt capital involves the use of borrowed funds by companies. This module examines the legal aspects of raising debt capital, including the issuance of debentures and the rights and responsibilities associated with borrowing.

8. Debenture
This section focuses specifically on debentures, exploring their characteristics, types, and the legal implications for both the company and debenture holders. Students also examine the creation and enforcement of debenture trusts.

9. Capital
Capital structure is a critical consideration for companies. Students explore the legal aspects of managing and altering the company's capital structure, including share buybacks, reductions of capital, and the legal procedures involved.

10. Dealing with Insiders
This module examines transactions and dealings involving insiders, such as directors and majority shareholders. Students explore the legal principles governing related party transactions, conflicts of interest, and the safeguards in place to protect the company and minority shareholders.

11. Class Rights
Class rights pertain to the different rights attached to various classes of shares. Students delve into the legal framework governing the creation, alteration, and protection of class rights, ensuring equitable treatment of shareholders.

12. Majority Rule
Majority rule is a fundamental principle in corporate decision-making. This module explores the legal implications of majority decisions, including the power of shareholders to make key corporate decisions and the limitations on majority rule.

13. Minority Protection
Protecting minority shareholders is a crucial aspect of business law. Students examine legal mechanisms and remedies available to minority shareholders to ensure fair treatment within the company structure.

14. Dealing with Outsiders
This section explores transactions and interactions with external parties. Students examine the legal aspects of contracts, the liability of companies for the acts of agents, and the principles guiding the company's dealings with outsiders.

15. Corporate Management
Corporate management involves decision-making at the managerial level. This module explores the legal aspects of managing a company, including the role and powers of directors, the delegation of authority, and the legal principles guiding managerial decisions.

16. Directors’ Duties
The module on directors examines the roles, duties, and responsibilities of company directors. Students explore the legal and fiduciary obligations directors owe to the company and its shareholders, as well as the potential consequences of breaches.

17. Corporate Governance
Corporate governance is a critical aspect of business law. This module examines the principles and structures that guide corporate governance, including the role of shareholders, the board of directors, and the mechanisms for ensuring accountability and transparency.

18. Liquidation
The final module explores the legal processes associated with the dissolution of a company. Students examine the various forms of liquidation, the rights of creditors, and the legal implications for shareholders and directors during the liquidation process.

Through a detailed analysis of these key topics, students will develop the legal acumen and analytical skills necessary to navigate the complex and dynamic field of business law. By exploring both theoretical concepts and practical applications, students will gain insights into the legal intricacies of business transactions and corporate management.