Introduction to Business Law

Course Number:

BA 226Z

Transcript Title:

Introduction to Business Law

Created:

Jul 27, 2022

Updated:

Nov 01, 2025

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

No

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Describe the U.S. legal system as applied to business including sources of law, the judicial system, and alternative forms of dispute resolution.

• Overview of the U.S. Legal System
  • Purpose and Functions of Law
  • Structure of the Legal System

• Sources of Law

  • Constitutional Law
  • Statutory Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Case Law (Common Law)
  • Other Sources
  • The Judicial System
  • Structure of the Courts
    • Jurisdiction and Venue
    • The Litigation Process
    • Business Implications
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
    • Introduction to ADR
    • Types of ADR
      • Negotiation
      • Mediation
      • Arbitration
      • Other Forms
    • Application in Business

  • Real-World Applications

    • Case Studies
    • Practical Considerations for Businesses

  Outcome #2: Explain the applicability of tort, criminal, and intellectual property law to business.

  • Overview of Tort Law and Its Applicability to Business

    • Definition of Torts
    • Types of Torts
      • Intentional Torts
      • Negligence
      • Strict Liability
    • Key Legal Principles:

  • Criminal Law and Its Applicability to Business

    • Definition of Criminal Law
    • Types of Business Crimes (White-Collar Crimes)
      • Fraud
      • Embezzlement
      • Bribery and Corruption
      • Cybercrimes
      • Environmental Crimes
    • Business Consequences of Criminal Acts

  • Intellectual Property (IP) Law and Its Applicability to Business

    • Overview of IP Law
    • Types of Intellectual Property
      • Trademark
      • Copyrights
      • Patents
      • Trade Secrets
    • Infringement and Enforcement
    • IP Challenges in the Digital Age

  • Key Differences Between Tort, Criminal, and IP Law

  • Real-World Applications

    • Tort Law in Business
    • Criminal Law in Business
    • IP Law in Business

  • Key Terminology and Concepts

  Outcome #3: Identify business organization forms and the responsibilities and liabilities of principals and agents.

  • Overview of Business Organization Forms

    • Definition and Importance
    • Types of Business Organizations:
      • Sole Proprietorship
      • Partnerships
      • Corporations
      • Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
      • Other Forms

  • Responsibilities and Liabilities of Principals and Agents

    • Agency Relationship Basics
    • Duties of Principals
    • Duties of Agents

  • Types of Authority in Agency

    • Actual Authority
    • Apparent Authority
    • Ratification

  • Liabilities in Principal-Agent Relationships

    • Contractual Liabilities
    • Tort Liabilities
    • Criminal Liabilities

  • Real-World Applications

    • Business Formation Decisions
    • Agency in Business Operations
    • Case Studies

  Outcome #4: Describe the legal requirements for contract formation, enforcement, and defenses, as well as application of the Uniform Commercial Code.

  • Introduction to Contract Law
    • Definition of a Contract
    • Types of Contracts
  • Legal Requirements for Contract Formation
    • Essential Elements of a Contract
      • Offer
      • Acceptance
      • Consideration
      • Capacity
      • Legality
• Contract Enforcement
  • Performance and Breach
  • Remedies for Breach of Contract
    • Monetary Damages
    • Equitable Remedies
    • Duty to Mitigate Damages
  • Statute of Frauds
  • Parole Evidence Rule
• Defenses to Contract Formation and Enforcement
  • Lack of Genuine Assent
  • Illegality
  • Capacity Issues
  • Unconscionability
  • Impossibility and Impracticability
  • Frustration of Purpose
• Application of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
  • Introduction to the UCC
  • Article 2: Sales of Goods
  • Differences Between Common Law and UCC
• Real-World Applications
  • Drafting Contracts
  • Case Studies
  • Business Implications

Outcome #5: Explain the basic tenets of employment, labor and wage laws related to business

• Overview of Employment, Labor, and Wage Laws
  • Definition and Importance
• Employment Laws
  • At-Will Employment
  • Anti-Discrimination Laws
    • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
    • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
    • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
    • Equal Pay Act
  • Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Wrongful Termination
• Labor Laws
  • National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
  • Labor-Management Relations
  • Labor Unions
• Wage and Hour Laws
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • State Wage Laws
  • Pay Transparency
  • Wage Theft
• Workplace Safety and Health Regulations
  • Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
• Real-World Applications
  • Case Studies
  • Practical Considerations for Businesses
  • Best Practices for Employers
  • Employee Rights and Remedies

Outcome #6: Identify legal considerations specific to entrepreneurship, including startup financing, risk management, and compliance strategies for new ventures.

• Introduction to Legal Issues for Entrepreneurs
  • Importance of proactive legal planning in startups
  • Common legal pitfalls for new ventures
• Startup Financing and Legal Implications
  • Equity vs. debt financing considerations
  • Angel investors, venture capital, and crowdfunding regulations (SEC rules, JOBS Act)
  • Securities law compliance for fundraising activities
• Risk Management for New Ventures
  • Identifying and mitigating early-stage legal risks
  • Using liability waivers and insurance to protect the business
  • Protecting founders through agreements (founders’ agreements, buy-sell agreements)
• Compliance Strategies for New Ventures
  • Business registration and licensing requirements
  • Local zoning and permitting issues
  • Tax obligations for startups (federal, state, and local)
  • Data privacy and cybersecurity compliance for small businesses
• Exit and Growth Considerations
  • Legal aspects of scaling a business (franchising, expansion, multi-state operations)
  • Preparing for mergers, acquisitions, or public offerings
• Real-World Applications
  • Case studies of startups facing legal challenges
  • Practical tips for entrepreneurs to balance innovation with compliance

Suggested Texts and Materials

Business Law: Text and Cases, 16th Edition; Clarkson/Miller; Cengage Learning