University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

Today, the vast bulk of the world’s commercial activity is conducted by companies. Indeed, the development of the modern industrialised state and the growth of international business have been greatly facilitated by the company legal structure. There is no strict legal definition of the word ‘company’ although it is generally defined as an association of a number of people for some common object or objects. There are many different purposes for which some people may wish to associate. Most companies are established in order to engage in industrial or commercial activity and to make a profit, however some companies are established for non-commercial or non-profit making purposes. The law facilitates the creation and operation of these types of associations as a matter of public policy and it provides rules which resolve, and deal as fairly as possible with, the conflicts and disputes which inevitably arise where persons conduct joint activities, some of which may result in vast profits or liabilities. The Companies Act 2014 contains the detailed rules relating to the formation and regulation of the operation of companies and their dissolution. In this module, the company’s place within the various other forms of business organisation are compared and the history and development of company law is examined. The concept of the company’s separate legal personality is discussed and the course then examines a number of aspects of company law which provide the legal framework for businesses and regulate their legal environment. This forms a foundation for further study of aspects of the regulation of companies that are covered in Company Law 2.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Locate and understand the relevant statutory materials, case law and regulatory practice relating to the major topics in the course
  2. Understand the background and reasons for the development of the modern registered company
  3. Appreciate the reasons for forming a company
  4. Understand how a company is formed
  5. Appreciate the nature and consequences of incorporation, the concepts of separate corporate personality and limited liability
  6. Understand the significance of the company’s constitution and the definition, function and legal duties of company promoters and directors
  7. Critically evaluate the nature of company regulation
  8. Compare Irish practices with those of other jurisdictions
  9. Provide solutions to practical problems based on Company Law
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Courtney, Thomas, Law of Companies, (Bloomsbury Professional 4th ed. 2016)" by n/a
  2. "Hutchinson, B, Keane on Company Law, (Bloomsbury Professional 5th ed 2016)" by n/a
  3. "Forde and Kennedy, Company Law (Round Hall 5th ed 2017)" by n/a
The above information outlines module LW229: "Company Law I" and is valid from 2019 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.