Business Law

University of Connecticut
Spring Semester 2016 [West] Hartford Campus
Bernard E. Jacques, Esq.
McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter, LLP
One State Street-14th Floor
Hartford, Connecticut
860-241-2662
bjacques@mdmc-law.com
This outline is for the exclusive use of students registered for
Business Law Class at the [West] Hartford campus. Any
other use is strictly forbidden and all rights are reserved.
BLAW 3175 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS
BADM 3720 LEGAL AND ETHICAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS
The meaning of law and the structure of the legal and regulatory system are studied
with a view toward the impact of law upon the operation of global business. Key
philosophies of ethics and social responsibility are examined through the lens of
stakeholder analysis and other analytical tools. Examination of the institutional
foundations of law including court systems, court procedures, and constitutional law.
The application of law to shape the legal environment of business through government
regulation and legal liability is examined through exploration of tort and product liability,
worker protection, and business organization law.
After successfully completing this course:
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of key legal principles
impacting business and the legal and administrative environment.
Students will be able to identify appropriate actions to address legal issues in a
business setting.
Students will be able to utilize ethical analysis methods to resolve ethical issues
in an organization.
Required Text: Wests Business Law by Kenneth Clarkson, Roger LeRoy Miller,
Gaylord A. Jentz and Frank B. Cross
Note: Although the syllabus is based on the most recent edition of this book, you may
use any edition. If you choose an edition other than the current edition or the most
recent edition, the chapters referred to in the syllabus may be different. Simply refer to
the chapter heading and title and not the chapter number. The text contains terms and

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concepts. I will use different examples to explain these terms on concepts but it is very
helpful to have the text as a resource.
Your grade will be composed of three elements: (1) participation; (2) mid-term; and (3)
final exam. Participation constitutes 10% of your grade. You will receive 10 points for
perfect attendance. Each class missed will result in a loss of two points. The mid-term
constitutes 40% of your grade and the final exam constitutes 50% of your grade. Both
the mid-term and the final will consist of more than 100 multiple choice questions.
Grades are computed by comparing the number of correct answers each student has.
Any unethical behavior in this class will result in a failing grade.
Class is an opportunity to master the material presented. Anything that detracts from
students learning the material is unacceptable.
Given that class is an opportunity to master the material presented, questions or
comments are encouraged. There will be recognition of students that contribute to the
learning of others by their thoughtful or insightful questions or comments.
This is a class in the Business Department. It should be treated in the same manner
and same fashion that you would treat your career or your business. Anything that
would detract from learning should be avoided during class times. This means all cell
phones, paging devices, texting devices and any other electronic devices should be off
before class starts and remain off during the class.
Below is the tentative schedule of the course.
1.

The material may be changed due to student interest or any other sound reason.
Any changes in the material will be announced in class. Your absence from
class will not excuse you from being responsible for any changes in the schedule
or material covered.

2.

Although most classes are based on material in the text, the classroom lecture
will include additional material. You are responsible for all material covered,
including the classroom supplements.

3.

Note that two classes (the last two) will address materials and subjects that are
not adequately covered in the text. You should not rely on the text for these two
classes.

4.

Each class will include a brief review or summary of the preceding class material.
Typically this is done through the quiz. You should use that review to ensure that
you have understood the material

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SCHEDULE OF CLASSES & TOPICS

1.

January 21

Introduction: What is Law?

2.

January 28

Legal Environment & Court System

3.

February 4

Constitutional Law

4.

February 11

Criminal Law & Introduction to Torts

5.

February 18

Torts

6.

February 25

Torts & Products Liability

7.

March 3

Agency & Business Organizations

8.

March 10

Mid-Term

9.

March 17

Spring Break

10.

March 24

Business Organizations

11.

March 31

Business Organizations

12.

April 7

Intellectual Property

13.

April 14

Intellectual Property

14.

April 21

Employment Law

15.

April 28

Employment Law

16.

May 5

Final Exam

Note: Though some topics lend themselves more readily to ethical issues often faced by
business men and women, philosophies of ethics and social responsibility are
addressed in each of the topics.

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