LL4G6      Half Unit
International Commodity Sales

This information is for the 2015/16 session.

Teacher responsible

Prof Michael Bridge NAB6.21

Availability

This course is available on the Master of Laws and Master of Laws (extended part-time study). This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

This course is capped at 30 students. Students must apply through Graduate Course Choice on LSEforYou.

Course content

The course is concerned with the international sale of goods where English law is the applicable law by virtue of well-established standard form contracts used extensively in the trade, such as GAFTA 100 (a CIF contract form). English law plays a dominant part in the international sale of commodities, especially in the case of dry commodities (wheat, soya etc) produced in North America and transported to a northern European destination. It is usually the case that such contracts have no physical connection with England. There is a rich case law dealing with sales on FOB, CIF and similar terms and there are interesting comparisons to be drawn between forward physical sales and futures sales. Interesting questions are also posed by the intersection of various allied contracts concluded to give effect to the international venture, notably, sale, letters of credit, insurance and carriage (or charter parties). Extensive consideration is given to the UCP600 Customs and Practice on Documentary Credits 2007.

Teaching

20 hours of seminars in the MT. 2 hours of seminars in the ST.

There will be a Reading Week in week 6 of MT.

Formative coursework

One 2,000 word essay.

Indicative reading

Michael Bridge, The International Sale of Goods (Oxford, 3rd ed 2013); Michael Bridge, The Sale of Goods (2nd ed 2009); A Slabotsky, Grain Contracts and Arbitration (Lloyd's London, 1984); M Bridge (ed), Benjamin's Sale of Goods (Sweet & Maxwell, 9th ed 2014); D Morgan, Merchants of Grain (Penguin, 1980); E McKendrick (ed), Goode on Commercial Law (Penguin, 4th ed 2010); International Chamber of Commerce, Incoterms 2010; International Chamber of Commerce, UCP Rules on Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits (UCP 600, 2007). Plus a substantial list of cases and some articles.

Assessment

Exam (100%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.

Key facts

Department: Law

Total students 2014/15: 15

Average class size 2014/15: 16

Controlled access 2014/15: Yes

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Communication
  • Specialist skills