Law of Torts

LAWS20760 Law of Torts 30 Full year Undergraduate Level 2 Margaret Cunningham Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Middle part of Bachelors ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 15.0 In this unit, students will explore the principal causes of action which comprise the subject of Torts. In addition, students are challenged to consider wider social and philosophical issues relating to the operation of Tort law in society. Students will do this through consideration of a wide and complex body of case law, and, at relevant points, statute law and secondary sources. Occasionally, references will be made to comparative perspectives and to various reform measure proposed in this jurisdiction by which to handle particularly difficult and controversial areas of tort law. The ability to apply Torts principles to various fact situations, so as to provide a legally coherent, logical and defensible analysis of the likely outcome, is given particular emphasis in this module. In this unit, students will explore the principal causes of action which comprise the subject of Torts. In addition, students are challenged to consider wider social and philosophical issues relating to the operation of Tort law in society. Students will do this through consideration of a wide and complex body of case law, and, at relevant points, statute law and secondary sources. Occasionally, references will be made to comparative perspectives and to various reform measure proposed in this jurisdiction by which to handle particularly difficult and controversial areas of tort law. The ability to apply Torts principles to various fact situations, so as to provide a legally coherent, logical and defensible analysis of the likely outcome, is given particular emphasis in this module. Explore the principal causes of action which comprise the subject of Torts. In addition, students are challenged to consider wider social and philosophical issues relating to the operation of Tort law in society. Students will do this through consideration of a wide and complex body of case law, and, at relevant points, statute law and secondary sources. Occasionally, references will be made to comparative perspectives and to various reform measure proposed in this jurisdiction by which to handle particularly difficult and controversial areas of tort law. The ability to apply Torts principles to various fact situations, so as to provide a legally coherent, logical and defensible analysis of the likely outcome, is given particular emphasis. Demonstrate knowledge of the role of torts in modern societyDiscuss and critically evaluate the development of general rules and principles of the law of negligence, and other selected, yet important, tortsDemonstrate understanding of the development and consider future directions of Tort law Analyse in a structured and systematic manner a factual situation to identify the existence of Tort law issues and the appropriate ways in which Tort law can be used; selecting among the various rules and principles the most appropriate solution to the problem at hand; and discriminating between clear-cut legal issues calling for a simple answer and more complex issues calling for greater discussion and a more evaluative approach Communicate complex information effectively, in a clear and concise manner, using accurate legal terminology and referring to primary and secondary sources of law, and giving practical examplesUsing one’s own initiative, using legal databases and the internet to find primary and secondary sources relevant to Tort law Take responsibility for one’s own learning with minimum direction A considerable part of the module is devoted to the most-commonly pleased cause of action in the common law world, the tort of negligence. The module deals with the key principles underpinning the negligence action, and also examines particular manifestations of negligence, such as acts or omissions giving rise to pure psychiatric injury, occupiers’ liability, or damages arising out of a public authority’s acts or omissions. The module also covers other important torts such as those of private nuisance, Rylands v Fletcher, defamation (and/or the intentional torts), and the doctrine of vicarious liability. Lectures:Students will attend a set number of lectures per week for two semesters. A lecture outline for each topic will be distributed prior to the commencement of the lecture in which that topic is covered. The lecture outline will indicate the prescribed (and any additional recommended) reading that students should undertake independently of the lectures for the topic.Workshops:Students will attend and participate in 8X2 hour workshops for the year. Students will receive the workshop activity sheet well in advance, and will be required to undertake personal study of a topic, before approaching the workshop activities. Students will be required to come to each workshop prepared and ready to contribute to, and share in, group discussion of the workshop tasks. Workshop tasks will commonly include problem questions and case study analyses. 1 Written exam 100% Students will receive both individual and group feedback following the marking period.  N List on Reading Lists online (via library). Core text: Mulheron, Principles of Tort Law, 2nd ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2020.) Lectures 30 Practical classes & workshops 16 0 254