Curriculum Map -BHS - Business -CP Business Law  - 2020-2021

Unit 1:  US Law and Justice

Stage 1 Desired Results

ESTABLISHED GOALS

Students will learn, discuss, and summarize the characteristics of the different types of courts and the concepts of civil law and criminal law. Students will discuss and demonstrate ethical and unethical decision-making business practices and making ethical, moral and legal choices in business situations by creating and/or participating in workplace vignettes/scenarios

Standards

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…        

BL 1: Analyze the relationship between ethics and the law.

BL 2: Explain and illustrate through simulation the process by which a legal dispute is resolved for a business and personal issue

BL 3: Explain the role and function of the court system on the local, state and national levels.

Meaning

UNDERSTANDINGS        

Students will understand that…

  • Presents the historical foundation and the evolution of the U.S. legal system.
  • Emphasizes the origin and the types of laws the system contains.
  • Discusses the ethical bases for those laws.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS        

  • What is the difference between common law and positive law?  
  • What is the origin of the U.S. legal system?  What are the four sources of law?  
  • What are the differences between the four sources of law?  
  • What are the three levels of federal courts?  
  • What are the various types of state and local courts?  
  • What are the jurisdictions of the federal and state courts?
  • What is the relationship between ethics and the law?
  • What are current issues in our society and how does our judicial system address these issues?
  • What are some events that have taken place recently that may not be considered ethical? (Exxon Valdez, BP oil spill, sweatshops, sending jobs overseas)

Acquisition

Students will independently be able to use their learning for        

  • Describe  morals and ethics and how are they applied to our legal system.
  • Identify different kinds of laws and crimes.
  • Differentiate the relationship between ethics and the law
  • Explain the structure of the court system in the United States.

Students will be skilled at…        

  • I will: understand the four ethical character traits
  • I will: understand my legal rights and responsibilities.
  • I will: identify alternative dispute resolution techniques.
  • I will: list the steps in a criminal prosecution.

Stage 2 - Evidence

Evaluative Criteria

Assessment Evidence

Foundations of Law

Lesson Frame: What are ethical decisions?

We will: analyze what is a law.

Lesson Frame: What is common law

We will: explain why laws are necessary.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

The Court System and Procedures

Lesson Frame: Crimes and Criminal Justice

We will: investigate what kind of court that a teenager might have to appear in if they commit an offense.

Lesson Frame: Types of Crimes

We Will: differentiate between civil and criminal cases.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

OTHER EVIDENCE

  • Recall the history of the laws
  • Identify the four stages of law and distinguish between criminal, civil, procedural and substantive laws.
  • Identify the four sources of law and distinguish between statutes, administrative regulations and case law
  • Apply the Bill of Rights to their everyday lives.
  • Summarize how the amendments pertain to their lives today
  • Debate the amendment they were assigned.
  • Identify the various types of Federal, State and Local Courts

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

  • Analyze and summarize the roles of the three branches of the U.S. Government (i.e., the judicial, legislative, and executive branches) in order to demonstrate an understanding of how government influences legal services.  
  • Analyze a resolved, current (within 10 years) business law case from a source other than the textbook.
  • List the material facts, parties involved (defendant, plaintiff, witnesses), principles of law used to arrive at a decision, damages sought.

Unit 2:  Law of Contracts

Stage 1 Desired Results

ESTABLISHED GOALS

This unit gives students the basic elements found in an offer and acceptance. Given a case study the students will analyze the case to determine if an acceptance occurred and explain why the contract is legal or not. General agreements will be examined and how they apply to real life. Elements of contracts are identified and who becomes a party. How contracts come to an end or are ended are also determined.

Standards

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…        

BL 6: Demonstrate an understanding of contractual relationships.

Meaning

UNDERSTANDINGS        

Students will understand that…

  • Presents the historical foundation and the evolution of the U.S. legal system.
  • Emphasizes the origin and the types of laws the system contains.
  • Discusses the ethical bases for those laws.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS        

  • What are the six elements of a legally enforceable contract?
  • What are the differences between valid, voidable, and void contracts?
  • Why would someone want to avoid a contract?
  • What are the three conditions for an offer to be valid?
  • What events and circumstances can terminate an offer?
  • Why isn’t an invitation to negotiate treated as an offer?
  • When is a written contract required?

Acquisition

Students will independently be able to use their learning for        

  • Presenting the basics of contract formation as found in the matching of an offer and a proper acceptance
  • Identifying the types of agreements that are void and unenforceable
  • Identifying the different forms of consideration and discusses when consideration is required
  • Evaluates the essential nature of contractual capacity and details the legal position of those without it
  • Discusses agreements that have to be in writing to be enforceable

Students will be skilled at…        

  • I will: explain the importance of contracts.
  • I will: Identify mislabeling goods. 
  •  I will: discuss remedies for injured consumers.
  • I will:  assess contractual capacity.
  • I will: list minor's contractual rights and responsibilities.
  • I will: list exceptions to consideration.
  • I will: analyze the concept of performance.
  • I will: define breach of contract.
  • I will: differentiate among the ways contracts can be undermined.

Stage 2 - Evidence

Evaluative Criteria

Assessment Evidence

Topic 1: What is a contract?

We will: Identify unfair trade practices

Identify Federal Agencies and areas of protection

We will: Distinguish between an offer, an invitation to negotiate, acceptance and a counteroffer.

How government promotes consumer protection

 We will: Explain the requirements of a valid contract.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

Topic 2: Elements of a Contract

Define When an Offer Has Been Made

We will: define offer.

Classify contracts 

We will: identify parties to a contract.

Consideration

We will: give examples to mutual consideration.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

Topic 3:  How Contracts Come to an End

Transferring and Ending Contracts

We will: explain how contracts can be discharged.

Voidable Contracts and Remedies

We will: describe the rules that apply to transfers of rights and duties.

We will: understand the difference between delegation and assignment.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

OTHER EVIDENCE:

  • Analyze the relationships among contract law, law of sales, and consumer law.
  • Demonstrate common business law vocabulary.
  • List the six essential elements of a legally enforceable contract.
  • Students will be able to identify the different kinds of contracts.
  • Create a valid offer. Describe how an offer can be terminated before acceptance. Understand the importance of acceptance and consideration to contract formation.
  • Determine if someone has the capacity to contract and how a contract can become invalid.
  • Identify contracts that are illegal and know when it you need to have a contract in writing.

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

  • Analyze the relationships among contract law, law of sales, and consumer law.
  • List the six essential elements of a legally enforceable contract. Students will be able to identify the different kinds of contracts.
  • Create a valid offer. Describe how an offer can be terminated before acceptance. Understand the importance of acceptance and consideration to contract formation.
  • Determine if someone has the capacity to contract and how a contract can become invalid.
  • Identify contracts that are illegal and know when you need to have a contract in writing.
  • Analyze a contract.
  • Identify and verify that all elements of the contract are present.
  • Explain the benefits and detriments to each party in the contract.
  • Describe any restrictions listed in the contract.
  • Analyze the contract for legality.
  • Create a contract for business and personal use and debate the details of the contract for legal consideration.

Unit 3:  Tort Law

Stage 1 Desired Results

ESTABLISHED GOALS

A tort is not a crime but is a wrong one person commits against another person and can be intentional or unintentional. Strict Liability is a legal doctrine that says that some activities are so dangerous that liability will always follow any injury that results from those activities.

Standards

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…        

BL 5: Evaluate the use of tort law in a business setting.

Meaning

UNDERSTANDINGS        

Students will understand that…

  • Distinguish between a tort and a crime.
  • Differentiate between and give examples of negligence and intentional torts.
  • Explain a person’s rights and duties in relation to tort law.
  • Describe remedies available in tort law.
  • List the main intentional torts against people and property.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS        

  • What is a tort and what are the three elements of any tort?
  • How is it possible for a wrongful act to be both a crime and a tort?

Acquisition

Students will independently be able to use their learning for        

  • Analyze real cases involving:
  • Defamation of character, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, trespassing, conversion, fraud, and negligence.
  • Explain the difference between actual and compensatory damages.
  • Determine liability
  • Explain how an attorney is paid in a civil case

Students will be skilled at…        

  • I will: list remedies of the buyer and seller when a sales contract is breached.
  • I will: Distinguishes crimes from torts
  • I will: Identify the elements of torts
  • I will: Explain why one person may be responsible for another’s tort

Stage 2 - Evidence

Evaluative Criteria

Assessment Evidence

Topic 1:  Types of Torts

We Will Answer the following questions: What are the differences between a crime and a tort? What are the elements of a tort?  What are the three types of torts?   What characteristics define each of the three types of torts?

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

Topic 2: Negligence & Intentional Torts

We will: identify elements of an intentional tort.

We will: be able to prove negligence.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

Topic 3: Legal Options

We will: list the main intentional torts against people and property.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

OTHER EVIDENCE:

  • Describe remedies available in tort law
  • Define litigation and alternate dispute resolution
  • List steps in a civil trial
  • McDonald’s Coffee Case- Review and analyze

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

  • Analyze real cases involving:  
  • Defamation of character, invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, trespassing, conversion, fraud, and negligence.  
  • Explain the difference between actual and compensatory damages.
  •  Determine liability  
  • Explain how an attorney is paid in a civil case
  • Explain the Uniform Commercial Code.
  • Compare and contrast service contracts and contracts for the sale of goods.
  • Explain when title and risk of loss pass in a sale of goods.
  • List the remedies of the buyer and seller when a sales contract is breached.
  • Distinguish different types of consumer fraud.
  • Describe laws and agencies that protect consumers.
  • Identify various types of warranties.
  • Describe how warranties may be excluded or modified.
  • Determine where to get consumer protection assistance.

Unit 4: Contract Law

Stage 1 Desired Results

ESTABLISHED GOALS

Students will discuss and explain the classes of contracts and cite methods of offer and acceptance. Students will examine the concepts of consideration and the principles of contracts in business in small groups, class discussions, and/or brief presentations. Students will also create and/or use examples, charts, diagrams, and/or written explanations to explain the different capacities to contract, and defective or illegal agreements. Students will research current/contemporary cases dealing with contract law using appropriate online technology, and discuss their findings in small groups, class discussions, and/or brief presentations.

Standards

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…        

BL 6: Demonstrate an understanding of contractual relationships.

Meaning

UNDERSTANDINGS        

Students will understand that…

  • Demonstrate and understanding of the contractual relationship and list the elements required to create a contract (offer, acceptance, genuine agreement, consideration, capacity and legality).
  • Identify the classifications of contracts (valid, void, voidable, unenforceable, express, implied, bilateral, unilateral, oral, and written).
  • Define consideration as it applies to contract law and list examples of valid consideration for both benefit and detriment.
  • Differentiate among the ways that a contract can be affirmed (ratification) or disrupted (fraud, non-disclosure, misrepresentation, mistake, duress, undue influence).
  • Define breach of contract and name legal remedies available for resolution (damages, specific performance, rescission, restitution).
  • Define the conditions which allow contract rights to be assigned/delegated.
  • Discuss ways a contract may be terminated or discharged (performance, expiration, etc.).
  • Identify those who lack contractual capacity (minors, mentally impaired, intoxicated).
  • Identify contracts that should be in writing under the Statute of Frauds.
  • Cite available remedies for breach of contract, including damages and equitable relief for business and personal use.
  • Explain the parole evidence rule.
  • Describe the purpose of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). Cover and differentiate the Securities and Exchange Act.
  • Identify the various types of warranties and describe how they can be modified or excluded.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS        

  • How are contracts a part of our personal lives? Business lives?
  • Why is it important to have an understanding of contract laws?
  • Why is offer & acceptance an essential element of a contract?
  • Who can terminate an offer?
  • Why is consideration an element of contracts?
  • What constitutes consideration?

Acquisition

Students will independently be able to use their learning for        

  • Define and distinguish between different types of consideration and list the exceptions to the requirements of consideration.
  • List the elements required to create a contract.
  • Differentiate between classes of contracts—bilateral and unilateral, oral and written.
  • Explain how offer and acceptance can create contractual rights and duties.
  • Determine whether or not an agreement is definite enough to be enforced as a contract.

Students will be skilled at…        

  • Identify categories of people who lack contractual capacity.
  • List the essential information that should be included in writing under the state of frauds.
  • Explain the parole evidence rule.
  • Describe the various rules applied to contract interpretation.
  • Explain the various rules applied to contracts involving third parties.
  • List the ways a contract can be discharged.
  • Describe breach of contract and the remedies available when a contract is breached.
  • Analyze business situations related to contract law

Stage 2 - Evidence

Evaluative Criteria

Assessment Evidence

  • I understand the nature of a contractual relationship
  • I can define the classifications of contracts
  • I can define consideration as it applies to contract law

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

  • I understand the ways a contract can be disrupted
  • I understand how contract rights are assigned/delegated

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

  • I understand how a contract may be terminated
  • I can define the Statute of Limitations
  • I understand a minor’s rights in a contract
  • I know what contracts must be in writing

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

OTHER EVIDENCE:

  • Analyze the relationships among contract law, law of sales, and consumer law.
  • Demonstrate common business law vocabulary.
  • List the six essential elements of a legally enforceable contract. Students will be able to identify the different kinds of contracts.
  • Create a valid offer. Describe how an offer can be terminated before acceptance. Understand the importance of acceptance and consideration to contract formation.

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

  • Analyze a contract.
  • Identify and verify that all elements of the contract are present.
  • Explain the benefits and detriments to each party in the contract.
  • Describe any restrictions listed in the contract.
  • Analyze the contract for legality.
  • Create a contract for business and personal use and debate the details of the contract for legal consideration.

Unit 5:  Employment Law

Stage 1 Desired Results

ESTABLISHED GOALS

Students will identify, discuss, and explain the nature, creation, operation, and termination of an agency. Students will learn to recognize and explain the nature of employer and employee relations as well as employee rights. Students will research labor legislation and employment law using appropriate online technology, and discuss their findings in small groups, class discussions, and/or brief presentations.

Standards

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…        

BL 7: Categorize, evaluate, and assess specific statutory/regulatory schemes impact on a business.

Meaning

UNDERSTANDINGS        

Students will understand that…

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS        

  • Why do employment laws exist?
  • Who is terminable at will?

Acquisition

Students will independently be able to use their learning for        

  • Apply ethics to demonstrate trustworthiness
  • Explain the nature of business ethics
  • Demonstrate responsible behavior, honesty, integrity, and ethical work habits
  • Defend the nature of human resources regulations
  • Explain the nature of workplace regulations such as occupational safety and health administration and statues such as the Americans with disability act
  • Discuss employment relations

Students will be skilled at…        

  • Analyze alternative responses to workplace situations based on legal responsibilities and employer policies.
  • Evaluate alternative responses to workplace situations based on personal or professional ethical responsibilities
  • Investigate the most appropriate response to workplace situations based on legal and ethical considerations
  • Identify personal and long-term workplace consequences of unethical or illegal behaviors
  • Depict personal and long-term workplace consequences of unethical or illegal behaviorsExplain the most appropriate response to workplace situations based on legal and ethical considerations.

Stage 2 - Evidence

Evaluative Criteria

Assessment Evidence

  • Differentiate among the types of intellectual property and discuss the remedies for infringement of each type (i.e., copyright, trademark, and patent).
  • Research and summarize the major federal consumer protection laws and how they are enforced including but not limited to Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), Consumer Credit Protection Act (CCPA), and Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA).
  • Describe and discuss the major federal laws regulating a business’s impact on the environment including but not limited to Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the employment-at-will doctrine and its exceptions.
  • Describe and discuss the major federal laws regulating business employment practices including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Immigration Reform and Control Act, and National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
  • Describe and discuss the impact on a business of the various aspects of bankruptcy, BOTH involuntary, and voluntary.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

Employment Law and Ethics Case Study

Students will break into groups of three. One or two students can be the judges for the case study presentations. The students will be given 30 minutes to prepare a response for the case study that is included with this lesson. At the end of the 30 minutes they will present their role play with the judge(s). Once all of the teams have completed their role play the groups will return for a class discussion. The teams will compare and contrast how each team solved the case study and what they think went well and what needed to change. They will also discuss other alternatives to those presented and the impact that this has in the workplace.

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

  • The student analyzes the concepts of agency and employment. The student is expected to:
  • summarize the nature and creation of an agency;
  • explain the operation and termination of an agency;
  • recognize the nature of employer and employee relations;
  • explain employee rights;
  • identify the tenets of labor legislation; and
  • research cases dealing with employment law using appropriate online technology.

Unit 6:  Sales and E-Commerce

Stage 1 Desired Results

ESTABLISHED GOALS

Students will identify, discuss, and explain the nature of goods and services and the legal formalities of sale. Students will learn to characterize and explain the transfer of title as well as risks in sales contracts. Students will research warranties, product liability, consumer protection, and cases dealing with contract sales using appropriate online technology, and discuss their findings in small groups, class discussions, and/or brief presentations. Students will also create and/or use examples, charts, diagrams, and/or written explanations to present summaries of the types and categories of warranties.

Standards

Students will be able to independently use their learning to…        

  • BL 8: Illustrate and defend the challenges of applying existing law to e-commerce.

Meaning

UNDERSTANDINGS        

Students will understand that…

  • how E-commerce and traditional business services are similar and different.
  • Including the legal and ethical issues associated with both.
  • Students will also discover the future technology of E-commerce and how this will affect their lives.

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS        

  • How is E-commerce similar to traditional commerce? Different?
  • In what ways might e-tailing be different from traditional buying and selling?
  • How is e-commerce affecting lives today and how will it affect them in the future?
  • How do you think this influence on consumers might influence local stores or small businesses?
  • How can future technology affect E-commerce?

Acquisition

Students will independently be able to use their learning for        

  • Compare and contrast E-commerce with traditional business services.
  • Operate the payment options in E-commerce
  • Predict effects of future technology on E-Commerce
  • Differentiate the legal and ethical issues for E-commerce

Students will be skilled at…        

  • Recall the benefits and drawbacks of E-commerce
  • Identify the legal and ethical issues for E-commerce
  • Explain E-commerce’s payment options
  • Describe E-commerce.
  • Compare and contrast E-commerce with traditional business services.
  • Describe legal and ethical issues for E-commerce.
  • Explain payment options in E-commerce.
  •  Anticipate the possible effects of future technology on E-commerce.

Stage 2 - Evidence

Evaluative Criteria

Assessment Evidence

  • Microlesson 1: What is E-Commerce?
  • Microlesson 2: Jurisdiction Issues
  • Microlesson 3: Issues and Disputes Among E-Commerce.

PERFORMANCE TASK(S):        

Case study, discussion, articles, writing activity, self-check, Reading questions

Other Evidence

  • E-Commerce Assignment
  • Let’s Debate Assignment
  • Cell Phones and E-Commerce Discussion
  • Ecommerce Quiz
  • Culminating Activity:  Conduct interviews or a survey in your community to investigate the impact of e-business. Students should use the E Commerce Project Articles Handout for access to interviews if retailers are not available. Handout to students the E-Commerce Multimedia Presentations Instruction Sheet. Grade the presentation using the E-Commerce Multimedia Rubric.
  • Culminating Activity:   Design a Web site that markets a product electronically on the Web. Grade using the E-Commerce Presentation Rubric

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Summary of Key Learning Events and Instruction

  • The student identifies the concept of sales in the context of business law. The student is expected to:
  • identify the nature of goods and services;
  • explain the formalities of sale;
  • characterize the transfer of title and risks in sales contracts;
  • identify and explain the types and categories of warranties, product liability, and consumer protection;
  • research cases dealing with contract sales using appropriate online technology