Free Samples
BLAW204 Business Law
.cms-body-content table{width:100%!important;} #subhidecontent{ position: relative;
overflow-x: auto;
width: 100%;}
BLAW204 Business Law
0 Download10 Pages / 2,251 Words
Course Code: BLAW204
University: Kent Institute Australia
MyAssignmentHelp.com is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university
Country: Australia
Question:
A study of torts as they apply to business situations, in particular the torts of negligence and misrepresentation, but with some reference to other appropriate torts as applicable. In your essay you are required to demonstrate some research and reading on the following issues, and to make appropriate comment on different torts, with a reference to current examples from real life situations:
Explain the legal components of the torts of negligence and a misrepresentation. What steps need to be proved to show that either has occurred?
How might these two different torts apply to a business situation, eg., considering the care and maintenance expected within a retailer’s premises where customersmight visit, the quality and safety of goods and services supplied by a retailer/prover?
What care should be taken when giving advice or directions to customers, or even justmembers of the public?
What might be the consequences to a business of a situation where an injured or disgruntled client has suffered some loss?
What defences are available to a business where an individual is claiming to be injured, or has suffered loss, as a result of the actions of the business?
Whether there are any current or real life instances of business’s being liable for a tortious act?
Whether there is any role for statutory or public authorities who should be protecting the interests of Australian (or even non Australian) interests or parties.
How a consumer, member of the public, or any other party who is affected by the actions of the business, might take action against the business, and what they might expect to gain from that action?
What other torts, besides negligence and misrepresentation, which might also be applicableto the actions of a business.
To make any interesting observations regarding the application of tortious principles as theymay apply in the business world.
Expectations
Students are to read text books, cases, search the internet for articles and commentary, and to follow the guidance of the lecturer in their research and reading.
Ensure your name and student number is clearly visible on your assignment.
Keep a copy of your work for your records.
Expression is important, and students should ensure that their essay displays appropriate clear expression and presentation.
Students must reference materials appropriately (statute and case law), and ensure that any materials that are cited, quoted or referred to, have appropriate attribution (ie footnoted Kent Institute Australia Pty. Ltd.
Each presentation must be individual work and students must not copy another student’s work, or cut and paste work from books or the internet. Please be aware that plagiarism (the copying of someone else’s work) is not acceptable in any professional practice.
Please ask your lecturer for assistance if you are unsure about an aspect of this assessment.
Answer:
Under the common law jurisdictions, tort is usually referred to as a civil wrong undertaken which results in a party being harmed or bearing loss, which results in legal liabilities being raised for the person indulged in such tortious activities. Tortfeasor is the term which is used for referring the person who commits such a tortious act (Trindade, Cane and Lunney, 2007). In Australia, there are different torts which apply to the businesses and this includes the tort of negligence, misrepresentation, and the others. Upon establishing a successful case of tort, the injured or the harmed party is able to apply for damages as a manner of relief from the wrong done by the other party. The businesses have to be aware of these torts and have to take steps for avoiding any situation where liabilities can be raised owing to indulgence in such torts (Lunney and Oliphant, 2008). Thus, this discussion is concentrated on the different torts which apply on businesses in the nation, with a particular reference to negligence and misrepresentation.
In order to take steps to avoid being indulged in negligence, it is important for the businesses to understand the very meaning of negligence. Negligence is a situation where a party X does something which has the possibility of injuring or harming party Y due to the proximity between the parties. And in such cases, party X owes a duty of care to party Y, which when breached, results in injury to the party Y, and resultantly attracts penalties owing to the negligence of party X (Kennedy, 2009). It is crucial for the other party to prove that the elements of negligence were present in order to make a successful claim of negligence. These elements include obligation of care, its violation, a resultant loss/ injury/ harm, the risk being reasonably foreseeable, the remoteness of loss, the proximity between parties and direct causation. In order to prove a case of negligence, the established case laws which were present in practical circumstances prove to be of help (Kolah, 2013).
To show the proximity between parties and the duty of care the case of Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 proves to be of help. In this case, Stevenson was the manufacturer who had produced thee ginger beer bottle which was consumed by Donoghue while she was sitting in the cafe. Donoghue fell sick due to the dead snail which was found in the beer bottle and claimed for damages arising out of negligence. The court held the manufacturer liable as the dead snail was deemed as a breach of duty of care and the proximity in their relationship had the capacity of affecting each other. Hence, Stevenson was ordered to compensate Donoghue for her losses (Latimer, 2012).
Another requirement for showing the presence of negligence is to show that the duty had been contravened and that the losses had been substantial (Statsky, 2011). Paris v Stepney Borough Council [1951] AC 367 is a case which helps in this aspect. In this case, the breach of duty of care was found as the council was aware that the plaintiff was already blind in one eye. And by not providing him the safety goggles for the other eye, the council was held liable for negligence. The reason for holding the defendant liable also was due to the fact that the plaintiff was blinded which was taken to be a major loss (Martin and Lancer, 2013). Had the injury been remote as was held in Overseas Tankship (UK) Ltd v Morts Dock and Engineering Co Ltd [1961] UKPC 2, the damages would not have been awarded (H2O, 2016). The loss has to be foreseeable in a reasonable manner for the damages to be awarded for a case of negligence. And for the purpose of foreseeability, the view of a reasonable person has to be taken due to the ruling given in the case of Wyong Shire Council v Shirt (1980) 146 CLR 40 (Jade, 2017). The last step is to show that the injury was a direct result of the negligence of defendant (Turner, 2013).
Misrepresentation, even though lies in the contract law jurisdiction, is also deemed as tort in the nation. This is because under misrepresentation, a person is forced/ induced into entering of the contract after making a false statement. In order to show that a case of misrepresentation is present, there is a need to show that the false statement made was of fact and not of opinion (Cartwright, 2012). The statement of opinion regarding the farm holding the sheep in Bisset v Wilkins [1927] AC 177 resulted in the court finding that misrepresentation is not present. The next condition is to show that the plaintiff made reliance on the false statement of fact made by the defendant (E-Law Resources, 2017a). In Horsfall v Thomas [1862] 1 H&C 90, the court held that the claimant had not relied on the statement made by the respondent. And due to these reasons, even when the statement of fact has been lied about, a case of misrepresentation would not stand (E-Law Resources, 2017b). The position of a person knowing the truth or falseness of a statement is also taken into consideration for establishing the presence of negligence as was held in Smith v Land and House Property Corp (1884) 28 Ch D 7 (E-Law Resources, 2017c).
Due to the businesses regularly indulging with customers and clients, the chances of a case of a tort of negligence or misrepresentation being made are quite high. For instance, Australian Safeway Stores v Zaluzna (1987) 162 CLR 479 was a case where the defendant was held liable for negligence for failing to provide safe shopping experience to its customers (Sappideen et al, 2009). So, when dealing with the customers and clients, it is important for care to be taken. For instance, in Smith New Court Securities v Scrimgeour Vickers [1996] 3 WLR 1051, the business stated that they had certain available bids, but in actuality, they had none. This was deemed as a misrepresentation on part of the business (E-Law Resources, 2017d).
The injured clients get an option of making a claim of damages when a tort had been committed. For negligence, the parties can make a claim if the elements of negligence are established and can apply for the physical injury sustained by them, the mental distress and even for the economic losses suffered by them (Gibson and Fraser, 2014). Vaughan v Menlove (1837) 132 ER 490 was a case where the damages were not awarded as the defendant had failed to take the reasonable care towards himself and had not worked on the warnings of fire (Commonlii, 2017). Similarly, for misrepresentation, the damages which are available are rescinding the contract or the more appropriate one in cases of tort, as damages for the loss (Latimer, 2012).
The businesses have available defences in cases of a tort being made against them. In misrepresentation, they can show that they had reasonable basis to rely on the truth of the situation. In cases of negligence, the defence of contributory negligence proves to be of help. In this defence, it has to be shown that the plaintiff had, by their actions, taken such steps where they added in the injury which they had received and in such cases, the penalty which is imposed on the defendant had to be reasonably brought down by the contribution of the negligence made by the plaintiff (Dongen, 2014). For instance, even though the floor of the supermarket was wet, but by running on the wet floor to grab the last item on shelf, the plaintiff in Raad v KTP Holdings Pty Ltd as Trustee for VM & KTP Nguyen Family Trust [2016] NSW 2016 888 was held guilty of contributory negligence, and as a result of this, their remedial damages were reduced by ten percent (Devitt, 2016).
Apart from the common law, the statutory law result also attracts penalties for negligence. Each jurisdiction in the nation has its own Civil Liability Act through which the provisions for negligence are given. The Civil Liability Act 2002 is applicable in the jurisdiction of New South Wales. Under section 5B of this act, it is provided that a person would not be deemed to have breached his duty of care till the time it could be proved that the risk of harm was significant, till the time it was properly foreseeable and till the time it can be shown that a reasonable individual would have taken the desired safeguards in order to evade this liability. Not only can the provisions of negligence, but also of contributory negligence be established, through the statutory act. Under section 5S of this act, it is provided that in case where a contributory negligence is shown to be present, the awarded compensation to the plaintiff can be reduced 100% if the circumstances of the particular case demand the same. So, not only the public authorities, the statutory authorities can also make an action for torts, for protecting the interest of the affected parties (Legislation NSW, 2015).
Negligence and misrepresentation are not the only two torts which have an impact on the businesses but there are different torts which can poses financial liability for the businesses. In this regard are the torts of fraud, injurious falsehood, tortious interference with contract or trade, and defamation. Defamation refers to such a situation where the reputation of an individual is tarnished by actions or words and takes form of libel and slander. For instance, when the business communicates with their clients, they have to take steps that they do not insult anyone or defame any party. All these torts result in heavy damages for the businesses, where they are imposed penalties and this is a loss as the money used for giving the penalties could otherwise be used by the businesses in furthering their objectives (Barnett and Harder, 2014).
To summarize the discussion carried on till now, the businesses have to bear losses due to certain torts in which they engage. The main two torts include misrepresentation and negligence. Under the tort of negligence, the businesses can be asked to compensate for the physical injuries, the economic loss and the mental distress caused to the plaintiff, when they fail in taking the requisite duty of care towards the plaintiff, by the reason of which, the plaintiff is injured. Alternatively, in the cases of misrepresentation, such a statement is made by the business which is false, and where the business knew of the falseness of the statement, which resulted in the consumer making relations with them. Owing to this falseness, the businesses have to compensate the consumers for reliance made on the false statement and the resultant loss which they had to bear. Not only the common law, but the statutory law also imposes these liabilities on the businesses. Hence, it is important for the businesses to not only be aware of the different torts which apply on them, but also take steps towards not indulging in activities which can possible result in a tort.
References
Barnett, K., and Harder, S. (2014) Remedies in Australian Private Law. Victoria: Cambridge University Press.
Cartwright, J. (2012) Misrepresentation, Mistake and Non-disclosure. 3rd ed. London: Sweet & Maxwell.
Commonlii. (2017) Vaughan v Menlove. [Online] Commonlii. Available from: https://www.commonlii.org/uk/cases/EngR/1837/424.pdf [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
Devitt, S. (2016) A slip up – shopping centre liable for slip and fall on wet tiles. [Online] Lexology. Available from: https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=bdcef724-3c2e-482d-9d74-540bc1a44d6c [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
Dongen, E.V. (2014) Contributory Negligence: A Historical and Comparative Study. Boston: Brill Nijhoff.
E-Law Resources. (2017a) Bisset v Wilkinson [1927] AC 177 Privy Council. [Online] E-Law Resources. Available from: https://www.e-lawresources.co.uk/Bisset-v-Wilkinson.php [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
E-Law Resources. (2017b) Horsfall v Thomas [1862] 1 H&C 90. [Online] E-Law Resources. Available from: https://www.e-lawresources.co.uk/Horsfall-v-Thomas.php [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
E-Law Resources. (2017c) Smith v Land and House Property Corp (1884) 28 Ch D 7. [Online] E-Law Resources. Available from: https://www.e-lawresources.co.uk/Smith-v-Land-and-House-Property-Corp.php [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
E-Law Resources. (2017d) Smith New Court Securities v Scrimgeour Vickers [1996] 3 WLR 1051. [Online] E-Law Resources. Available from: https://www.e-lawresources.co.uk/Smith-New-Court-Securities-v-Scrimgeour-Vickers.php [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
Emanuel, S., and Emanuel, L. (2008) Torts. New York: Aspen Publishers.
Gibson, A., and Fraser, D. (2014) Business Law 2014. 8th ed. Melbourne: Pearson Education Australia.
H2O. (2016) Wagon Mound (No. 1) — “The Oil in the Wharf Case”. [Online] H2O. Available from: https://h2o.law.harvard.edu/collages/4919 [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
Jade. (2016) Wyong Shire Council v Shirt. [Online] Jade. Available from: https://jade.io/j/?a=outline&id=66842 [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
Kennedy, R. (2009) Duty of Care in the Human Services: Mishaps, Misdeeds ad the Law. Victoria: Cambridge University Press.
Kolah, A. (2013) Essential Law for Marketers. 2nd ed. United States: Kogan Page Limited.
Latimer, P. (2012) Australian Business Law 2012. 31st ed. Sydney, NSW: CCH Australia Limited.
Legislation NSW. (2015) Civil Liability Act 2002 No 22. [Online] New South Wales Government. Available from: https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/act/2002/22 [Accessed on: 08/09/17]
Lunney, M., and Oliphant, K. (2008) Tort Law: Text and Materials. 3rd ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
Martin, J., and Lancer, D. (2013) AQA Law for AS Fifth Edition. 5th ed. Oxon: Hachette UK.
Sappideen, C., at al. (2009) Torts, Commentary and Materials. 10th ed. Pyrmont: Lawbook Co.
Statsky, W.P. (2011) Essentials of Torts. 3rd ed. New York: Cengage Learning.
Trindade, F., Cane, P., and Lunney, M. (2007) The law of torts in Australia. 4th ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.
Turner, C. (2013) Unlocking Torts. 3rd ed. Oxon: Routledge.
Free Membership to World’s Largest Sample Bank
To View this & another 50000+ free samples. Please put
your valid email id.
Yes, alert me for offers and important updates
Submit
Download Sample Now
Earn back the money you have spent on the downloaded sample by uploading a unique assignment/study material/research material you have. After we assess the authenticity of the uploaded content, you will get 100% money back in your wallet within 7 days.
UploadUnique Document
DocumentUnder Evaluation
Get Moneyinto Your Wallet
Total 10 pages
PAY 6 USD TO DOWNLOAD
*The content must not be available online or in our existing Database to qualify as
unique.
Cite This Work
To export a reference to this article please select a referencing stye below:
APA
MLA
Harvard
OSCOLA
Vancouver
My Assignment Help. (2021). Business Law. Retrieved from https://myassignmenthelp.com/free-samples/blaw204-business-law/a-historical-and-comparative-study.html.
“Business Law.” My Assignment Help, 2021, https://myassignmenthelp.com/free-samples/blaw204-business-law/a-historical-and-comparative-study.html.
My Assignment Help (2021) Business Law [Online]. Available from: https://myassignmenthelp.com/free-samples/blaw204-business-law/a-historical-and-comparative-study.html[Accessed 18 December 2021].
My Assignment Help. ‘Business Law’ (My Assignment Help, 2021)
My Assignment Help. Business Law [Internet]. My Assignment Help. 2021 [cited 18 December 2021]. Available from: https://myassignmenthelp.com/free-samples/blaw204-business-law/a-historical-and-comparative-study.html.
×
.close{position: absolute;right: 5px;z-index: 999;opacity: 1;color: #ff8b00;}
×
Thank you for your interest
The respective sample has been mail to your register email id
×
CONGRATS!
$20 Credited
successfully in your wallet.
* $5 to be used on order value more than $50. Valid for
only 1
month.
Account created successfully!
We have sent login details on your registered email.
User:
Password:
MyAssignmenthelp.com is one of the cheap essay writing service that provides top quality essays. We provide essays on almost every topic on any subject or domain. We provide you with descriptive essay topics/, informative speech essay topics, persuasive speech topics for college students,reflective essay topics and many more along with well-crafted essays on each topic.Getting online essay help becomes a peace of cake with MyAssignmenthelp.com.We also provide tips from time to time to help you ace the art of essay writing. Once you have mastered with us how to write an essay fast, you can draft on your own. Connect with us today.
Latest Management Samples
div#loaddata .card img {max-width: 100%;
}
MPM755 Building Success In Commerce
Download :
0 | Pages :
9
Course Code: MPM755
University: Deakin University
MyAssignmentHelp.com is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university
Country: Australia
Answers:
Introduction
The process of developing a successful business entity requires a multidimensional analysis of several factors that relate to the internal and external environment in commerce. The areas covered in this current unit are essential in transforming the business perspective regarding the key commerce factors such as ethics, technology, culture, entrepreneurship, leadership, culture, and globalization (Nzelibe, 1996; Barza, 2…
Read
More
SNM660 Evidence Based Practice
Download :
0 | Pages :
8
Course Code: SNM660
University: The University Of Sheffield
MyAssignmentHelp.com is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university
Country: United Kingdom
Answers:
Critical reflection on the objective, design, methodology and outcome of the research undertaken Assessment-I
Smoking and tobacco addiction is one of the few among the most basic general restorative issues, particularly to developed nations such as the UK. It has been represented that among all risk segments smoking is the fourth driving purpose behind infections and other several ailments like asthma, breathing and problems in the l…
Read
More
Tags:
Australia Maidstone Management Business management with marketing University of New South Wales Masters in Business Administration
BSBHRM513 Manage Workforce Planning
Download :
0 | Pages :
20
Course Code: BSBHRM513
University: Tafe NSW
MyAssignmentHelp.com is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university
Country: Australia
Answer:
Task 1
1.0 Data on staff turnover and demographics
That includes the staffing information of JKL industries for the fiscal year of 2014-15, it can be said that the company is having problems related to employee turnover. For the role of Senior Manager in Sydney, the organization needs 4 managers; however, one manager is exiting. It will make one empty position which might hurt the decision making process. On the other hand, In Brisba…
Read
More
MKT2031 Issues In Small Business And Entrepreneurship
Download :
0 | Pages :
5
Course Code: MKT2031
University: University Of Northampton
MyAssignmentHelp.com is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university
Country: United Kingdom
Answer:
Entrepreneurial ventures
Entrepreneurship is the capacity and willingness to develop, manage, and put in order operations of any business venture with an intention to make profits despite the risks that may be involved in such venture. Small and large businesses have a vital role to play in the overall performance of the economy. It is, therefore, necessary to consider the difference between entrepreneurial ventures, individual, and c…
Read
More
Tags:
Turkey Istanbul Management University of Employee Masters in Business Administration
MN506 System Management
Download :
0 | Pages :
7
Course Code: MN506
University: Melbourne Institute Of Technology
MyAssignmentHelp.com is not sponsored or endorsed by this college or university
Country: Australia
Answer:
Introduction
An operating system (OS) is defined as a system software that is installed in the systems for the management of the hardware along with the other software resources. Every computer system and mobile device requires an operating system for functioning and execution of operations. There is a great use of mobile devices such as tablets and Smartphones that has increased. One of the widely used and implemented operating syste…
Read
More
Tags:
Australia Cheltenham Computer Science Litigation and Dispute Management University of New South Wales Information Technology
Next