LAW503
Employment Law
(Scott & Christianson)
Prerequisite courses:
Prerequisite for:
Instructor(s): Karen (Gawne) Scott & Dana Christianson
Course credit: 3
Method of presentation: Lecture/seminar
METHOD OF EVALUATION
Mid-term exam worth 30% of final grade. Final exam worth 70% of grade.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will provide you with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to advise clients on all aspects of non-union employment. We will examine such fundamental legal concepts as whether one is defined as an employee, employer, or contractor (and what that means from a legal perspective). We investigate the impacts of provisions regularly found in employment contracts, and consider what constitutes just cause for dismissal, wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, quitting, and “frustration” of employment contracts. We learn about the types of damages wrongfully dismissed employees may be entitled to and how to calculate them.
We will also review the relevant statutes that impact the employment relationship, including the Employment Standards Code, the Alberta Human Rights Act, and privacy legislation. We will explore developing issues such as the protection of confidential information, an employee’s duty of good faith, discrimination in the workplace and post-employment obligations such as restrictive covenants.
The class is primarily taught in lecture format. However, students will be provided with fact scenarios and invited to answer questions (on their own or in class) intended to assist them in assimilating the lecture content and practice applying it in context.
SPECIAL COMMENTS
Description updated 2023-24. Please contact the instructor for any specific questions you may have related to this particular course section.
REQUIRED TEXTS (IF ANY):
Casebook (Updated for 2023-24)