Comparative Company Law

This module provides an analytical framework for corporate law that transcends particular countries and jurisdictions. It emphasises the underlying purpose of the rules and how they fit with theories underpinning corporate law. It provides an integrated view of the role and structure of corporate law to present a clear framework to understand individual systems on their own and in comparison with each other.

What does the module cover?

This Module focuses on the theoretical aspects of corporate law and addresses the problems and legal strategies common to each of the identified jurisdictions. In particular, five basic characteristics of business corporations will be considered; these are: legal personality; limited liability; corporate governance/shareholder protection; company management and investor ownership.

Following this module you will be able to recognise, understand and critically analyse the international and European legal framework within which business is conducted. This module will also help you to develop the skills of legal reasoning, analysis, research and independent judgement.

Key topics

• Corporate Law
• Business Entities in UK; France; Germany and Italy
• Legal personality and corporate abuse – an international comparison
• Freedom of Establishment
• Corporate Governance and shareholder protection
• Management of companies – a European perspective

Pre-requisites

None

Number of credits and study time

30 credits, equivalent to 300 hours of study

Assessment

Assessment may be exam or coursework or a mixture of both. Please speak to a course advisor for more information.