Business Law (BLAW)

This is an archived copy of the 2020-21 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

Courses

BLAW 261   Business Law I* (3 Hours)

Prerequisites : RDG 126 or College Reading Readiness.

This course introduces students to the organization and structure of the American legal system as it applies to business. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to identify potential legal problems in their businesses and recognize when to engage the services of an attorney. The application of legal ethics to business situations will be covered. The distinction between criminal law and civil tort law, and how to apply criminal law and civil law to factual situations involving businesses, will be taught. The common law and Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code will be applied to contracts. Intellectual property, the principles of agency, and the different forms of business organizations will be introduced.

BLAW 263   Business Law II* (3 Hours)

Prerequisites : BLAW 261.

A continuation of Business Law I, this course teaches students the principles of property, secured transactions, business formation, corporate law, and administrative law. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to identify potential legal problems in their businesses and recognize when to engage the services of an attorney. Concepts of real property, personal property, bailments, estates and trusts, and insurance law will be covered. The formation, operation, and dissolution of the different business forms will be taught. The principles of bankruptcy law, professional responsibility, shareholders’ rights, employment law, and environmental law will be introduced.

BLAW 261

  • Title: Business Law I*
  • Number: BLAW 261
  • Effective Term: 2020-21
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours: 3

Requirements:

Prerequisites: RDG 126 or College Reading Readiness.

Description:

This course introduces students to the organization and structure of the American legal system as it applies to business. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to identify potential legal problems in their businesses and recognize when to engage the services of an attorney. The application of legal ethics to business situations will be covered. The distinction between criminal law and civil tort law, and how to apply criminal law and civil law to factual situations involving businesses, will be taught. The common law and Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code will be applied to contracts. Intellectual property, the principles of agency, and the different forms of business organizations will be introduced.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Explain the structure and functions of the American legal system.
  2. Apply the principles of business ethics to business situations.
  3. Apply the legal elements and defenses for crimes, intentional torts, negligence and strict liability to factual scenarios.
  4. Distinguish between the primary types of intellectual property.
  5. Apply the basic principles of common law to relevant contracts.
  6. Apply the basic principles of the Uniform Commercial Code to sales contracts.
  7. Explain the principal-agency relationship as it relates to businesses.
  8. Identify the different forms of business organizations.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Introduction to the American Legal System

A. Explain the sources and the functions of law in the United States.

B. Explain the court system and alternative dispute resolution.

C. Describe court procedures in civil matters.

D. Identify constitutional authority to regulate business.

II. Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

A. Apply business ethics in an employment context.

B. Identify real world examples of corporate social responsibility.

III. Criminal Law and Tort Law

A. Describe criminal law and criminal procedures.

B. Define white collar crimes.

C. Identify constitutional rights that apply to criminal defendants.

D. Distinguish between criminal and civil wrongs.

E. Classify intentional, negligent and strict liability torts.

F. Apply the elements of various torts to factual scenarios.

IV. Intellectual Property Law

A. Define intellectual property.

B. Distinguish patent, copyright and trademark rights.

C. Explain the importance of intellectual property rights to businesses.

V. Contract Law

A. Classify different forms of contracts.

B. Identify the elements of contracts.

C. Define consideration and recognize its forms and significance in validity of contracts.

D. Identify doctrines that destroy the genuineness of consent to contracts.

E. Describe the role of capacity in the validity of contracts.

F. Describe the different types of illegal contracts.

G. Define the statute of frauds and the types of contracts to which it applies.

H. Distinguish between assignments of rights and delegation of duties under a contract.

I. Identify the rights of third-party beneficiaries under a contract.

J. Explain the performance obligation of a common law contract.

K. Summarize the remedies for breach of a common law contract.

VI. Sales Contracts

A. Identify contracts governed by common law versus contracts governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) Article 2.

B. Contrast formation of a contract under the common law versus the UCC Article 2.

C. Identify the different laws that apply to products liability.

D. Distinguish between shipping and delivery sales contracts.

E. Differentiate between title, possession, risk of loss and insurable interest.

F. Identify the types and elements of express and implied warranties.

G. Explain the performance obligation of a sales contract.

H. Summarize the remedies for breach of a sales contract.

VII. Agency Law

A. Explain how agency is created.

B. Define agency types.

C. Summarize respective duties of agents and principal.

D. Describe circumstances when agency is terminated.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

30-75%    Tests and/or quizzes (minimum of two tests and/or quizzes)
30-60%    Projects, reports, and/or papers
05-25%    Online homework and/or class participation

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Caveats:

COMPUTER LITERACY EXPECTATIONS: Students will need basic word processing and internet searching skills for the completion of some assignments.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).

BLAW 263

  • Title: Business Law II*
  • Number: BLAW 263
  • Effective Term: 2020-21
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours: 3

Requirements:

Prerequisites: BLAW 261.

Description:

A continuation of Business Law I, this course teaches students the principles of property, secured transactions, business formation, corporate law, and administrative law. Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to identify potential legal problems in their businesses and recognize when to engage the services of an attorney. Concepts of real property, personal property, bailments, estates and trusts, and insurance law will be covered. The formation, operation, and dissolution of the different business forms will be taught. The principles of bankruptcy law, professional responsibility, shareholders’ rights, employment law, and environmental law will be introduced.

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Identify the principles of the laws of property, bailments, estates and trusts, and insurance.
  2. Apply the laws of secured transactions and bankruptcy.
  3. Identify legal principles related to negotiable instruments.
  4. Contrast the different forms of business organizations including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, limited liability limited partnerships and corporations.
  5. Explain the principles of corporate law, including structure, management, shareholders’ rights and liabilities, and the responsibilities of related professionals.
  6. Identify business regulations in the areas of administrative law, consumer protection laws, employment law and environmental law.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Property Law

A. Classify the different forms of property.

B. Describe the different methods of acquiring property.

C. Summarize the different forms of bailments.

D. Differentiate the different types of interest in real property.

E. Describe methods of transferring property.

F. Summarize the rights and duties of the landlord and the tenant.

G. Explain the process of making a valid will.

H. Explain the process of intestate succession.

I. Summarize the different forms of trusts and process of establishing a trust.

J. Explain the duties of a trustee.

K. Summarize the nature and benefits of insurance contracts for businesses.

II. Secured Transactions

A. Apply the principles of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to secured transactions.

B. Differentiate between security agreements, attachment and perfection.

C. Identify the kinds of property that can be used as collateral in a secured transaction.

D. Demonstrate the priority rules that apply to the rights of creditors.

E. Describe the different methods of perfecting a security interest.

F. Describe the process of foreclosure.

G. Explain the purpose of the bankruptcy law.

H. Distinguish between the different forms of bankruptcy.

III. Negotiable Instruments

A. Describe the basic concept of the law of negotiable instruments.

B. Define holder in due course.

C. Distinguish between checks, drafts, promissory notes and certificates of deposit.

D. Describe the rights of the parties to the negotiable instruments.

IV. Unincorporated Business Organizations

A. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each type of business organization.

B. Outline the steps involved in formation, operation, dissolution, termination and winding up of the different forms of business organizations.

C. Determine which type of business organization would be most appropriate to form in various situations.

V. Corporations

A. Outline the steps involved in formation, operation, dissolution, termination and winding up of corporations.

B. Classify the different forms of corporations.

C. Outline the financial structure of the corporations.

D. Explain the duties of officers and directors of a corporation.

E. Describe the rights and duties of the shareholders of a corporation.

F. Identify the legal and professional responsibilities of auditors, consultants and securities professionals.

VI. Federal, State and Local Business Regulations

A. Explain the sources, types and limits of administrative law.

B. Describe consumer protection laws.

C. Summarize the legal concepts that govern the employer-employee relationship.

D. Summarize the regulatory system for protection and maintenance of the environment.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

30-75%    Tests and/or quizzes (minimum of two tests and/or quizzes)
30-60%    Projects, reports, and/or papers
05-25%    Online homework and/or class participation

Total: 100%

Grade Criteria:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Caveats:

COMPUTER LITERACY EXPECTATIONS: Students will need basic word processing and internet searching skills for the completion of some assignments.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).