CLAW2205: Semester 1, 2025
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Unit outline_

Unit outlines now display a small icon AI Allowed = AI allowed restricted AI = restricted AI to indicate which assessments allow you to use AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot Chat. Make sure you are aware of how AI can be used, as unauthorised use is a breach of academic integrity.

CLAW2205: Competition and Consumer Law

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Competition and consumer law impacts on everyone and on every business. This unit examines provisions in the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwth) that regulate a range of business activities, including, dealings between businesses and with consumers, pricing, advertising and unfair practices. The focus will be on current enforcement priorities of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and topics covered will include: cartel conduct, misuse of market power, vertical restraints on competition, anti-competitive acquisitions and key aspects of Australian consumer law including: product safety, consumer guarantees, unfair contract terms, unconscionable conduct and misleading or deceptive conduct. Students will analyse legal and business issues involving competition and consumer law arising from given fact situations and real-world contexts to increase awareness of legal risk situations in business and understanding of how these risks may be managed.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Accounting
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
CLAW1001 or CLAW2214
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Terry, andrew.terry@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Andrew Terry, andrew.terry@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Supervised exam
? 
Final Exam
Written exam covering all topics
45% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation Participation
Participation in and contribution to class discussions in tutorials
10% Ongoing Continuous throughout semester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Small test Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task
#Earlyfeedbacktask
5% Week 03 20 minutes - administered in tutorials
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Supervised test
? 
In-semester Test
1 hour test covering weeks 1-7.
20% Week 08
Due date: 16 Apr 2025 at 19:00
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment AI Allowed Individual research assignment
Written task
20% Week 10
Due date: 09 May 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 23 May 2025
1500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
AI allowed = AI allowed ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

  • Early Feedback Task Test. A 20 minute short answer test worth 5% covering material from weeks 1-3 will be administered in Week 3 tutorials. Results will be posted on the Monday of Week 4.
  • In-Semester Test. A 1-hour closed book in-semester test worth 20% will be administered by the Business School Exams unit in week 8. The test will cover material from Weeks 1-7. The format of the test will be posted on Canvas by Week 6.                                            
  • Final Exam. A 2-hour final open book exam covering the entire course and worth 45% will be admimisterd during the formal exam period. Further information will be posted on Canvas. 
  • Individual Research Assignment. An individual research assignment of 1500 words, worth 20%,  on a topic to be posted on Canvas in Week 6 must be submitted via Turnitin by 23.59 on Friday 9 May (ie the Friday of Week 10). The assignments will be handed back in the Week 13 tutorial. Generative AI can be used to assist in structuring your assignment and for generating ideas but its use must be acknowledged. Further information will be posted on Canvas. 
  • Tutorial Assessment. Weekly tutorials commence in Week 1 and a mark out of 10 will be awarded having regard to attendance and contribution to/participation in tutorial activities throughout the semester.

 

 

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties: Any assessment submitted after the due time and date will incur a late penalty of 5% of the total marks per 24 hour period, or part thereof, late (note that this is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked). Since submission is electronic, weekends and public holidays count as days in the same way as working days. Any assessment submitted after the due time and date will incur a late penalty unless excused by special consideration, special arrangement or disability services adjustment. Word length: Where a word length is specified, you must conform to the word length. Where a student exceeds the word length, the student will lose 10% of the total marks when the submission is 10% above the word length and 10% for each 10% over-length thereafter. Note that the word limit includes footnotes but excludes the bibliography.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1 Introduction to CLAW2205. 2 Overview of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). Lecture (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Introduction to CLAW2205 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 02 Consumer protection, Fair Trading and the Australian Consumer Law. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5
Week 03 Misleading or deceptive conduct. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
The ACL Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 04 Advertising and Sales Promotion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Misleading or Deceptive Conduct Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 05 Unconscionable Conduct Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Advertising Regulation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 06 Unfair Contract Terms /Unfair Trading Practices Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Unconscionable Conduct Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 07 Supply of Goods and Services: consumer guarantees/manufacturer's liability for unsafe goods Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Unfair Contract Terms and Unfair Trading Practices Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 08 Introduction to the regulation of restrictive trade practices under Part IV Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and fundamental concepts in competition law Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Supply of goods and Services Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Collusion -cartels and other collusive conduct Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
The CCA, Restrictive Trade Practices and basic concepts in competition law Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Misuse of market power Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Collusion Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 11 1. Exclusive dealing. 2. Resale price maintenance. Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Misuse of Market Power Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Mergers Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Exclusive Dealing/ RPM Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Current Issues in competition law and policy Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Course Review Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Tutorial attendance is compulsory. Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes - lecture and tutorial - to maximise their learning experience.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

The text for CLAW2205 is Terry and Giugni, Business and the Law 7th edn 2019 Thomson Reuters

Links to additional readings for tCLAW22056 will be posted to the Canvas site. 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. identify and analyse legal issues about competition and consumer law arising from given fact situations and real-world contexts
  • LO2. resolve competition and consumer law problems by applying the relevant law, evaluating possible solutions and developing coherent arguments to support conclusions
  • LO3. manage, analyse, evaluate and use legal material and information about competition and consumer law
  • LO4. communicate about competition and consumer law, orally and in writing, to a professional standard
  • LO5. work collaboratively with people from diverse backgrounds with inclusiveness and integrity.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

In response to student feedback in 2025 CLAW2205 has moved from a 3-hour lecture/seminar to a 2-hour lecture with a 1-hour tutorial. Assessment has changed to accommodate this move.

 

  • Legal referencing guidelines: Students should refer to the Australian Guide to Legal Citation (AGLC) to ensure they are using the correct method of citation when submitting written work. More information on the AGLC method is available on Canvas.
  •  
  • Students will be offered a tailored online workshop on legal research and citation delivered by the Business School's designated librarian.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

This unit of study outline was last modified on 10 Feb 2025.

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