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Legal Studies in Business

~ "The people's good is the highest law." ~ Cicero, Roman politician and lawyer

Legal Studies in Business Program has always been an integral part of the core curriculum of the College of Business (COB). Mandated by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Legal Studies in Business has continually evolved with changes in the COB and the commercial environment. Legal Studies in Business courses place a strong emphasis on developing ethical awareness and decision making as encouraged by the AACSB.

The Legal Studies in Business (BLAW) courses cover the following subjects, among others, required of the COB "common body of knowledge," or core curriculum:

  • Legal Aspects of Business Transactions (BLAW 220)
  • Legal Environment of Business (BLAW 320)
  • Topics in Business Ethics
  • Topics in International Law

Legal Studies in Business introduces students to the legal environment in which they must conduct their personal and professional lives. Since the legal system governs the relations between individuals and organizations, it is incumbent upon those within a society to understand that system if they are to survive, prosper, and contribute to their society. Given the increasing sophistication and litigious nature of our society, Legal Studies in Business is now, more than ever, a critical part of the COB curriculum.

Students from all majors who are interested in law school are encouraged to contact the Law Society, a student organization that sponsors speakers, a law school fair, and other activities.

Business law is sometimes called mercantile law or commercial law and refers to the laws that govern the dealings between people and commercial matters. There are two distinct areas of business law; regulation of commercial entities through laws of partnership, company, bankruptcy, and agency and the second is regulation of the commercial transactions through the laws of contract. The history of these types of laws dates back several centuries and can be seen in the peace-guilds where members would pledge to stand by each other for protection. A lot of business law involves trying to prevent problems that can hurt the business or cause legal disputes. Business law may include any of the following:
 

1. The right corporate form. Is your business set up as a partnership, LLC, sole proprietorship, or limited partnership? 

2. Agreements with employees and other businesses.

3. Terms of purchase. Agreements with contractors and employees,

4. Protect your name.  domain names or trademarks before starting their business.

5. Protect your trade secrets. 

6. Examine your property agreements.

7. Look at how you collect data.  General Data Protection Regulation goes into effect in May. You need European consumers' go-ahead for using their data--otherwise, you could face fines as large as four percent of revenues.

8. ADA Compliance  includes accessibility in both workplace and online.

This course is supported by our Legal Studies program: CBA 400 - Business Ethics

(3 units)

Prerequisites: GE Foundation requirement, at least one Explorations course, consent of instructor.
Various types of ethical dilemmas that take place in business organizations and acquire concepts and tools needed to manage these complex value conflicts for the well being of individuals, organizations, and society.

Letter grade only (A-F). Same course as PHIL 400. Not open for credit to students with credit in PHIL 400.

If you have any legal issues, then help is here. The Legal Resourse Center has the support you need to assist you find the answers to these and other legal issues. Or maybe you are interested in a career in law. There are many volunteer opportunities for interested students.