The law is a vast and complicated topic. Laws can affect our daily lives in many ways, both at home and at work. When we consider the workplace, legal matter can be very important and also very complex.

The ASEAN community will be heavily involved in complex legal matters as the ASEAN Economic Community comes into effect and evolves after 2015. The boosting of international trade is one of the key aims of the AEC, and such trade will need to be secure and trusted by all parties involved.

In order to make sure that all parties know their responsibilities and requirements, trade agreements will usually be drawn up, and the various organizations involved will need to acknowledge their agreement. These will usually be in writing, so that a signed written record can be kept.

This module aims to improve the reading skills of ASEAN professionals involved in the legal profession, and cover some of the complex phrases, terms and expressions that are used in English.