This module will examine the problems that arise in commercial transactions between businesses established in different States. The module will concentrate specifically on the 'transnational' nature of such transactions, and some of the solutions characteristically adopted by different legal systems, with emphasis on International, English or the US systems, or where appropriate legal rules and materials of other jurisdictions by way of illustration. The module will also cover the unique features of current transnational business transactions such as Mergers and Acquisitions, and the importance of information and communication technologies.
Total contact hours: 18
Private study hours: 182
Total study hours: 200
LLM in (Specialisation); LLM in Law; PG Diploma in (Specialisation); PG Certificate in Law
Main assessment methods
Essay - No more than 5,000 words (80%)
Participation - Group presentation and 2000-word paper (20%)
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
• Schmitthoff's Export Trade: The Law and Practice of International Trade by Leo D'Arcy, Carole Murray and Barbara Cleave, 12th ed.
(London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2012).
• J.C.T. Chuah, Law of International Trade, 5th ed. (Sweet & Maxwell, 2013).
• Indira Carr, International Trade Law, 5th ed. (London: Cavendish (2014);
• Miriam Goldby, Indira Carr, International Trade Law Statutes and Conventions 2011-2013, Routledge.
• Module Booklet (With Articles and materials to read).
• Reference to articles largely from the following journals will be made:
o Lloyd's Maritime & Commercial Law Quarterly
o Journal of Business Law
o Anglo American Law Review
o International Journal of Comparative Law
o American Journal of Comparative Law
o Journal of World Trade
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Study the kinds of legal problems that arise in relation to commercial transactions between businesses established in different States,
specifically from the 'transnational' nature of such transactions, and some of the legal solutions characteristically adopted by legal systems
with emphasis on English, European, the Commonwealth and the United States legal systems.
2. Study the general principles of public and private international law that that are applicable to international business transactions.
3. Critically examine current trends and developments in the regulation of international business transactions particularly in relation to
emerging markets.
4. Generate interest in the subject for its own sake and to develop basic expertise in the subject for those intending to practise law, work for
governments, businesses and international agencies.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1. Conduct independent research, which informs a sustained and complex argument.
2. Present complex arguments both orally and in writing.
3. Appreciate that juridical problems can only be fully understood through interdisciplinary research methods
4. Use electronic databases for original legal research – e.g. carry out online, subject specific journal searches.
5. Respond constructively to feedback
6. Make proper use of the library resources by way of law reports, articles and monographs and textbooks.
Stage 1
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