Ford's Principles of Corporations Law

"Ford's Principles of Corporations Law" is a comprehensive legal textbook authored by Harold Arthur John Ford, Robert P. Austin, and Ian M. Ramsay. The book is widely recognized as a leading authority on corporate law in Australia and has been updated to reflect the latest developments in the field.

Key Themes

1. Creation, Operation, and Winding Up of Companies:

   • The book covers the foundational principles of company law, including the creation, operation, and winding up of companies. It provides a detailed analysis of the regulatory regime, third-party dealings, costs, evidence, and procedure.

2. Corporate Governance and Liability:

   • It delves into corporate governance, corporate liability, and the responsibilities of directors and officers. This includes discussions on directors' duties, such as the duty of care and the duty of disclosure of interests.

3. Corporate Finance and Securities:

   • The book provides extensive commentary on corporate finance, dividends, and the issue and sale of securities. It also covers control transactions and the securities industry.

4. External Administration and Insolvency:

   • It includes detailed discussions on external administration, including insolvency and the voluntary administration of insolvent companies. The book also covers civil penalties and other regulatory measures.

5. Historical and Comparative Analysis:

   • The authors provide a historical analysis of the evolution of corporate law in Australia, as well as comparative analysis with overseas statutes and case law.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a subject-based analysis of the entirety of the Corporations Act 2001 and relevant case law. It is designed to be a sophisticated reference for practitioners, academics, and students. The text is dense and relies heavily on a reader's understanding of underlying legal principles such as contract, agency, equity, and trusts.

Critical Reception

• Relevance and Authority: The book is widely recognized as the No. 1 gold standard commentary on corporation law in Australia. It is considered essential reading for anyone involved in corporate law, including practitioners, academics, and students.
• Complexity: The text is described as dense and difficult reading, requiring a strong foundation in contract, agency, equity, and trusts. It is recommended for reference or for reading up on selected topics rather than as a primary textbook for undergraduate courses.
• Educational Use: The book is highly regarded for its comprehensive coverage of corporate law but is often used as a reference rather than a primary text due to its complexity and the need for additional legislation at hand.

Editions

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the most recent being the 17th edition. Each edition reflects the latest changes in corporate law, including amendments to the Corporations Act and other significant legislative reforms.

In summary, "Ford's Principles of Corporations Law" is a seminal work in the field of Australian corporate law, providing a detailed and authoritative analysis of the subject. Its comprehensive coverage and historical perspective make it a valuable resource for both practitioners and scholars.