Chapter 16: The Legal and Regulatory Environment of Business

1. Law and the Legal System

2. Criminal Versus Civil Law

3. Negligence Torts

4. Product Liability

5. Some Principles of Public Law

(cases and problems)

1. Law and the Legal System

• Define law and rule of law and discuss how the US applies these laws using a system of rules and principles

• Discuss the eight primary functions of US law

• Define the following: premise liability, administrative law, statutory law and tort reform (give examples of each)

2. Criminal Versus Civil Law

• Define and state the differences between criminal and civil law

• Discuss the legal process of torts, both intentional and unintentional. What are they? What punishments do they hold and how do they effect business?

3. Negligence Torts

• What are the four elements of a negligence tort claim?

• What is a contract and what four requirements must a contract meet before it can be enforced?

• Explain the legal concept of Respondeat Superior and when it applies

4. Product Liability

• What are the three theories of recovery in a product liability claim?

• What are the three grounds for negligence?• What is the definition of strict liability torte and

what are the two legal conclusions this doctrine rests on?

• Explain the terms and process of warranty, express warranty and implied warranty

• Define compensatory damages and punitive damages. What is each of these damages purpose?

5. Some Principles of Public Law

• What is the difference between private law and public law? Include the three general categories public law fall under

• How were the principles of public law were applied in the cigarette littering story include defining externality

• Explain the process of case law in interpreting laws and setting precedents

Cases and Problems

Choose one of the following cases and problems section in chapter 16 to research: Career Opportunities, Ethics Angle or Team Building

The class will divide into three discussion groups. Be prepared to discuss your research in your group in the next class session