BRADENTON -- Imagine two small business owners talking over a simple transaction of goods and services.

The buyer wants the supply for half the price, but the seller refuses. Soon after, the buyer sends an email detailing a contact for the items at half the wanted price. The seller, disgusted by the offer, refuses to respond.

According to the Uniform Commercial Code, the buyer now has grounds for a lawsuit that could cost the seller an enormous amount of money, all due to a conscious decision not to respond.

It's plausible, and it's the law.

And according to Robert LeVine, a former attorney and law professor, most people, including those responsible for governing our commerce, don't understand it.

Created in 1952, the commercial code increased the ability to conduct business across all 50 states.

For a few hours Nov. 2, members of the legal and

business community, as well as curious entrepreneurs in Manatee, can learn from LeVine about the functions of the commercial code at a seminar hosted by the Manatee County Bar Association.

The seminar will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club. Tickets are $199 and the event will include a catered lunch, door prizes, a free professional photo headshot and a copy of LeVine's book, "The Uniform Commercial Code Made Easy."

LeVine's book uses fictional characters to interpret the code.

"If you play football and you understand the rules, you're in a much better position to play the game," LeVine said.

LeVine, 64, who lives in Bradenton, earned his law degree at the University of Chicago, taught law for seven years at the University of Miami and also was a consultant. He said it's imperative the U.C.C. is understood as the U.S. economy progresses from the recession.

"In the legal community, to serve your client, you need to understand the U.C.C.," LeVine said.

"You have to have knowledge of how the code works."

To register for the event, email the Manatee Bar Association at manatee.bar@manateeclerk.com or visit www.dononllc.com.

Nick Williams, East Manatee reporter, can be reached at 941-748-0411 ext. 7049. Twitter:@_1NickWilliams