The business environment has become more complex and litigious; therefore, knowledge of general principles of law is more important than ever. This course reviews the American legal process, commercial law and its development, and organizational structures in the context of the managerial challenges in today's highly litigious environment. Instruction incorporates analysis of actual cases, class participation, group projects, lectures and readings.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Understand the US court system and basic legal terms and doctrines
• Describe legal issues and laws that impact businesses in the US and internationally.
• Explain strategies to minimize legal risks to businesses and employees.
• Identify legal risks and strategies for more effective business administration and decisions.

Topics include

• Contracts
• Negligence
• Product liability
• Constitutional law as it applies to business
• Federal and state civil procedure
• Torts
• Business entities, including limited liability companies
• Uniform Commercial Code
• Real-property concepts
• Creditor, debtor and bankruptcy issues
• Employment discrimination and sexual harassment
• Law of agency
• Criminal law
• An overview of the American legal system.

Professional Credit

HRCI®---PHR®, SPHR® and GPHR® general recertification credit: 29.25 hours.