BUSINESS LAW (collegiate)

Business Law challenges members to demonstrate their knowledge of legal systems and principles as they relate to the business environment. Through an objective test, members explore topics such as contracts, agency, business formation, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.

Event Overview

Division: Collegiate
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes

Career Cluster Framework Connection: Public Service & Safety
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Professionalism

Items Competitor Must Provide: Pencil, Computer

Knowledge Areas

· Fundamentals of Business Law

· Torts and Contract Law

· International Law

· Tax Laws and Regulations

· Legal Environment of Business

· Regulatory Environment

· Human Resources Laws and Regulations

· Commerce Laws and Regulations

Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.
State

Eligibility

·         FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on February 1st of the current program year.

·         Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.

·         Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.

·         Each chapter may submit six students in this event.

·         On the state level, each member can compete in up to three different events in the following combinations: three objective tests OR two objective tests and one performance OR two objective tests and one production or one objective test and two production OR one objective test, one performance, and one production. Students may enter the Christopher Heider, Rob Kelleher, Who’s Who event, and one Chapter event (Community Service, State of the Chapter) in addition to their above chosen events.

·         Picture identification (physical or digital: driver’s license, passport, state-issued identification, or school-issued identification) matching the conference nametag is required when checking in for competitive events.

·         If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled. This is totally up to the proctor.

·         Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 4.

Event Administration

·         This event is an objective test administered prior to the SLC. Advisers will be sent information regarding testing requirements.

·         No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.

·         No calculators may be brought into the testing site; online calculators will be provided through the testing software.

Scoring

·         Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.

·         Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

Electronic Devices

·        Unless a pre-approved accommodation is in place, all cell phones, smart watches, and headphones must be turned off and put away before competition begins. Any visibility of these devices will be considered a violation of the Honor Code.

National

If competing at the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/collegiate/competitive-events/ 

Study Guide: Knowledge Areas and Objectives

This study guide shows the skills and knowledge you’ll be tested on for this event. Objectives followed by a two-letter, three-digit code in parentheses are based on the National Business Administration Standards from MBA Research and Curriculum Center. Some objectives also reference MBA Research's Learning Activity Packages (LAPs)—resources with readings, activities, and assessments to help you learn. For more information, visit MBAResearch.org/FBLA.

Fundamentals of Business Law (20 test items)

1. Comply with the spirit and intent of laws and regulations (BL:163, LAP-BL-163) (CS)

2. Discuss the nature of law and sources of law in the United States (BL:067) (SP)

3. Describe the United States’ judicial system (BL:068) (SP)

4. Describe methods used to protect intellectual property (BL:051) (SP)

5. Describe legal issues affecting businesses (BL:001) (SP)

6. Explain types of business ownership (BL:003, LAP-BL-003) (CS)

Torts and Contract Law (5 test items)

1. Identify the basic torts relating to business enterprises (BL:069) (SP)

2. Describe the nature of legally binding contracts (BL:002) (SP)

International Law (10 test items)

1. Discuss the nature and sources of international law (i.e., treaties and international customs) (BL:142) (MN)

2. Discuss the nature and sources of foreign law (i.e., country judicial and legislative actions) (BL:143) (MN)

3. Explain the impact of global legal systems on settling international business disputes (BL:144) (MN)

Tax Laws and Regulations (10 test items)

1. Explain the nature of tax regulations on business (BL:009) (ON)

2. Explain the nature of businesses’ reporting requirements (BL:010) (ON)

3. Develop strategies for legal/government compliance (BL:011) (ON)

Legal Environment of Business (10 test items)

1. Describe factors affecting the settlement of legal matters (BL:159) (SP)

2. Explain legal considerations for finance (FI:356) (SP)

3. Explain legal considerations for accounting (FI:353) (SP)

4. Explain legal issues associated with information management (NF:076) (SP)

Regulatory Environment (15 test items)

1. Describe the nature of legal procedure (BL:070) (SP)

2. Discuss the nature of debtor-creditor relationships (BL:071) (SP)

3. Explain the nature of agency relationships (BL:072) (SP)

4. Discuss the nature of environmental law (BL:073) (SP)

5. Discuss the role of administrative law (BL:074) (SP)

Human Resources Laws and Regulations (15 test items)

1. Explain the nature of human resources regulations (BL:007) (SU)

2. Explain the nature of workplace regulations (including OSHA, ADA) (BL:008) (SU)

3. Describe health and safety regulations in business (OP:004) (PQ)

4. Discuss employment relationships (BL:075) (SU)

Commerce Laws and Regulations (15 test items)

1. Explain the nature of import/export law (BL:145) (SP)

2. Describe the nature of customs regulations (BL:126) (SP)

3. Explain the nature of trade regulations (BL:004) (MN)

4. Describe the impact of antitrust legislation (BL:076) (MN)