Module description:
This module will provide students with an understanding of the legal regime applying to companies in the UK as well as the critical debates around key developments in UK company law reform. It is geared towards students without prior knowledge of English Company Law. The module begins by examining companies as a distinct type of business organisation and the development of company law regulation. It addresses some fundamental issues, such as the separate legal personality and limited liability, before moving to discuss the legal position of the different groups of actors, such as company directors and shareholders. Topics here include the duties of directors, the protection of minority shareholders, disqualification of directors and the insolvency regime. The course also examines key aspects of corporate share capital and some of the specific requirements applying to large public companies.
Indicative seminar topics:
- Companies and company law development
- Corporate personality and limited liability
- Directors’ position and powers
- Directors duties
- Directors and insolvency
- The nature of shares
- Shareholder remedies
- Capital maintenance