LL4AP Half Unit
International Business Transactions: Contracts and Property
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Prof Trevor Hartley NAB 7.24
Availability
This course is available on the LLM (extended part-time), LLM (full-time) and University of Pennsylvania Law School LLM Visiting Students. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
This course is capped at 30 students. Students must apply through Graduate Course Choice on LSEforYou.
Pre-requisites
Knowledge of conflict of laws (private international law) would be useful but is not essential. Good general understanding of commercial law is essential. Non-LLM students must have a full law degree (a degree which fulfils the degree requirement for becoming a lawyer in your country).
Course content
The following topics will be studied from the point of view of European Union law, English (common and statute) law, Canadian law and US law: 1) Principles and theories of choice of law; 2) Proof and application of foreign law; 3) Contracts: applicable law; 4) The international reach of legislation for the regulation of business and the protection of consumers and employees; 5) The private international law aspects of boycotts and embargoes; 6) Exchange controls; 7) Currency problems in international contracts; 8) The international aspects of property transactions; 9) The recognition of foreign expropriations and other governmental acts affecting property (including financial assets).
Teaching
This course is delivered through a combination of classes and lectures totalling a minimum of 20 hours in Lent Term. Students will usually have two additional hours in the Summer Term. This year teaching will be delivered through recorded online lectures and a mix of both in-person and online classes to accommodate students who are unable to physically be on campus. This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Lent Term.
Formative coursework
All students are expected to produce one 2,000 word formative essay during the course.
Indicative reading
Core textbook: Trevor C Hartley, International Commercial Litigation (Cambridge University Press, 3rd edn, 2020) (selected chapters). Further reading: Dicey, Morris & Collins, The Conflict of Laws (Sweet and Maxwell, London, 15th edn, 2012 by Sir Lawrence Collins with specialist editors); Plender (Richard) and Wilderspin (Michael), The European Private International Law of Obligations (Sweet & Maxwell, London, 4th edn, 2015)
Assessment
Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours, reading time: 15 minutes) in the summer exam period.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Law
Total students 2019/20: 25
Average class size 2019/20: 25
Controlled access 2019/20: Yes
Value: Half Unit
