Course description:
This course provides a general introduction to the law of torts with a particular focus on negligence. It considers: general and specific duty categories; standard of care; causation and remoteness; damages; defenses; vicarious liability; and an introduction to statutory interpretation and the interaction between statute and common law. Remedies for negligence are explored and alternative methods of providing compensation for accidental injury addressed. A representative range of other torts are considered, and may include trespass to the person, nuisance, trespass to land and concurrent liability. At least one intentional tort will be considered.
Course Aims:
Course outcomes:
A student who successfully completes this subject will have a general understanding of the law of torts and specific familiarity with the topics outlined below, and will:
- Understand and be able to apply common law and legislative systems pertaining to the tort of negligence, including the elements of that tort—duty of care, standard of care, causation, and remoteness—and the associated issues of third party intervention, damages for personal injury, omissions and nervous shock, and defenses and vicarious liability.
- Understand and be able to apply common law and legislative systems pertaining to the intentional tort of trespass to the person, including assault, battery and false imprisonment.
- Understand and be able to apply common law and legislative systems pertaining to the intentional tort of trespass to goods, including trespass, conversion.
- Understand and be able to apply common law and legislative systems pertaining to nuisance.
- Understand and be able to apply common law and legislative systems pertaining to negligent statements leading to pure economic loss.