Legal Issues in Construction Projects: Analyzing Ten Reported Cases

All assignments must be submitted by the date and time specified above. Students are required to submit an electronic copy of their completed assignment via the Assignments section of Canvas and follow any specific instructions. Any change to this instruction will be advised via Canvas.

You are reminded of the Faculty policy for the late submission of coursework. Any work submitted up to a week late will be capped at 50%. Any work submitted later than this will receive a zero mark. Mitigating Circumstances can lead to submission of coursework up to 7 days after the submission date, but must be notified before the deadline for submission.

The following module learning outcomes and professional body learning outcomes are tested in this assessment:

1. Contextualise and demonstrate understanding of crime, tort and contract principles applied to construction projects

2. Evaluate crime, tort and contract principles to explain liabilities, duties and powers

3. Critically analyse scenarios in the context of crime, tort and contract

4. Provide advice and recommendations related to construction contract and legal scenarios

5. Contextualise and develop professional skills in construction law and conditions of contract.

Assessment task and specific terms

Using internet sources, newspapers, professional journals, and law reports, select and briefly analyse ten (10) reported cases relating to all or any of the following legal issues which have arisen since the beginning of the year 2000, explaining why you assess these cases to be of special interest to the construction industry:

(a) Manslaughter and/or Health and Safety at Work;

(b) Bribery;

(c) Breach of Contract;

(d) Professional Negligence.

Specific terms: guidelines

Research and referencing

You are expected to refer to the indicative bibliography of the module provided in the Module Descriptor and the additional bibliographic sources suggested in the lecture programme and notes. In addition, you must undertake your own appropriate further reading and research in relation to the matters addressed in this coursework brief. Evidence of independent reading and research will be rewarded. A list of References must be presented at the end of the report listing all bibliographic sources cited in the main report.

School of Engineering and the Environment. Coursework Assessment Brief.

Academic skills support

For help and advice on report writing and referencing please contact the SEC Academic Success Centre (SASC). Trained students and staff will give you guidance and feedback on assessments. SASC can be contacted via email:

Generic and Specific Criteria Marks available Communication and structure:

Professional standard presentation; well-structured in line with task requirements; edited and carefully proof read. Clearly and fluently written;

written English and grammar competent.

Content of forms: shows clear evidence of deep understanding and good grasp of technical knowledge relevant to the brief; demonstrates ability to apply and critically analyse information. Able to form judgement based on well researched information.

The following specific factors will be taken into account in grading the work:

• Understanding of the relevant legal rules

• Accurate identification and analysis of the issues

• Ability to accurately apply the rules to the problems set

• The correct use of legal authorities (case law and statute), where relevant

For help and advice on this assessment please contact the assessment setter/s or the module leader. For advice on academic writing and referencing please contact  the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing (SEC) Academic Success Centre (SASC). T