Module Details

Module Code: LEGS6013
Title: Law for Agribusiness
Long Title: Law for Agribusiness
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide students with a knowledge of key legal rules which impact on the conduct of business in the agriculture and horticulture sector. The legal rules governing incorporation and limited liability, employment and consumer protection will be examined. Legal issues relating to the ownership and occupation of land will also be explored.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the sources of Irish law and distinguish between civil and criminal law
LO2 Explain the legal rules governing business structures for agribusiness
LO3 Describe the legal tests which can be used to identify the contract of employment and the key rights and responsibilities under a contract of employmenht
LO4 Explain the main legal responsibilities of the occupier of land
LO5 Discuss the key elements of consumer protection law
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Sources of Law
An overview of the sources of Irish Law with particular reference to the agribusiness sector. Sector specific legislation - Sustainable Use Directive The distinction between civil law and criminal law - the civil action and the criminal prosecution.
Business Structure
The legal rules governing the sole trader, partnership, private companies limited by shares, PLCs, DACs and unlimited companies. The consequences of incorporation and limited liability
Employment Law
Identifying the contract of employment. Key responsibilities of the employer and rights of the employee. Health and Safety law, dismissal and equality.
Legal Responsibilities of the Occupier of Land
Liability in the Law of Tort - negligence, Occupiers Liability Act 1995, nuisance and the action in Rylands v Fletcher. Boundary disputes and rights of way.
Consumer Protection
The duties owed by producers and suppliers to the consumer. The Sale of Goods and Supply of Services legislation. Liability for Defection Products Act 1991. Consumer Protection Act 2007.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Assessment based on a series of case studies which require students to identify the legal issue, select the appropriate legal rules and apply to rules to resolve the issue
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End of semester exam which requires factual explanations of legal rules within the context of agribusiness
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent reading and research Every Week 4.00 4
Lecture Contact Class based instruction Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent reading and research Every Week 5.00 5
Lecture Contact Class based instruction Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Vaeni McDonald. (2015), An Introduction to Business Law, 2nd. Institute of Chartered Accountants Ireland, [ISBN: 9781910374337].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Anthony Thuillier and Cathy MacDaid. (2015), Business Law in Ireland, 1st. Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781905536771].
  • Alision Kennelly and John Tully. (2014), The Irish Legal System, 1st. Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781905536580].
  • Aine Keenan. (2012), Essentials of Irish Business Law, 6th. Gill & Macmillan Ltd, p.400, [ISBN: 9780717152612].
  • William Penrose. (2006), Farming Law - A Guide for Farmers, 1st. Bloomsbury Professional, [ISBN: 9781904480556].
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BAGRI_7 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 6 Mandatory
CR_BHORT_7 Bachelor of Science in Horticulture 6 Mandatory