Syllabus

Mission Statement

The Stetson School of Business and Economics of Mercer University delivers 
career focused business education to develop entrepreneurial leaders and responsible global citizens.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to law and the legal system. Topics discussed include the court system, constitutional law, administrative law, contract law, torts, products liability, business organizations, agency and an introduction to the governmental regulation of business. The ethical responsibilities of business will be emphasized.

Course Objectives

                Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

Prerequisites

             None. 

Textbook

The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business - Terrence Lau and Lisa Johnson

This textbook is available for no charge at https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/BookDetail.aspx?bookId=51. You may read the textbook online or download a PDF file containing the whole book for free.

Evaluation Criteria

Grading Structure

Note from the Professor

The examinations will cover the assigned readings, as well as any additional material covered in class. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed - both material covered and future assignments.  No make-up examinations will be given. If you cannot be present for a test (for a legitimate reason), let me know beforehand - call me at my office and tell me, or leave a message on my answering machine. Failure to do so will result in a grade of zero on that test.

Mercer University Honor Code and Council

See Mercer catalog for detailed description.

Honor Code

Mercer University Atlanta expects each and every student to maintain the highest principles of academic honesty and integrity.  Violations of academic honesty represent a breach of the University's expectations and will be regarded as a serious matter.

All work on tests must be your own. Any inappropriate copying or collaboration on any test will result in a grade of 'F' for the course.

Course Evaluations

Course evaluations will be conducted via the online, university approved system during week seven of this course.  All students are encouraged to participate when they receive the email notification.

Disability Statement

Students requiring accommodations or modifications for a disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible.  The instructor will refer you to the ACCESS and Accommodation Office to document your disability, determine eligibility for accommodations under the ADAAA/Section 504 and to request a Faculty Accommodation Form.  Disability accommodations or status will not be indicated on academic transcripts.  In order to receive accommodations in a class, students with sensory, learning, psychological, physical or medical disabilities must provide their instructor with a Faculty Accommodation Form to sign.  Students must return the signed form to the ACCESS Coordinator.  A new form must be requested each semester.  Students with a history of a disability perceived as having a disability or with a current disability who do not wish to use academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with the ACCESS and Accommodation Office and request a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester.  For further information, please contact Richard Stilley (stilley_r@mercer.edu), at (678) 547-6823 or visit the ACCESS and Accommodation Office website at http://atlstuaffairs.mercer.edu/disability-services.cfm

Inclement Weather

If severe weather occurs, classes will be canceled in accordance with the Associate Provost’s decision of Mercer-Atlanta.  Call the Mercer weather phone for information about class cancellations—(678) 547-6111 (Atlanta) or listen to WSB 750 AM.

Course Reading and Learning Schedule

(Syllabus subject to change at the discretion of the Professor)

PowerPoints

Introduction to Law
Litigation
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Administrative Law
Constitutional Law
Ethics and the Law
Contract Law (full version)
Torts and Product Liability
Business Organizations

Exploring Constitutional Law - an interesting site that presents some basic information about the U.S. Constitution (for those of you who would like some more information about the Constitution)

Readings in Ethics and Law - for Week 3 

Sample Test Questions

Legal Studies Classroom - Prof. DeAngelis - UConn
    Eminent Domain - The Ballad of Suzette Kelo - video    
    Good Samaritan Laws - Seinfeld finale - video