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Law of Torts
Course leader:
Irving
Stevens
Two terms (30 units)
A "tort" is a civil wrong. Such wrongs include negligence, nuisance and defamation (libel and slander). The law of torts represents the means whereby individuals may protect their private interests and obtain compensation from those who violate them.
On completing the course, you will be acquainted with the
fundamental principles of tortious liability, both statutory and
common-law and the main defences and remedies available to parties
to a claim in tort. You will have an understanding of the varieties
of torts and of the legal interests that these seek to protect. You
should, above all, be able to analyse legal problems and offer a
solution based on a system of rules, advance a reasoned argument
and identify and criticise strengths and weaknesses in others`
arguments.
The course is delivered over two terms, and covers the following
topics.
- General principles of tortious liability.
- Negligence (personal injuries; psychiatric damage; economic loss).
- The liability of occupiers of land and of persons trespassing on land.
- Nuisance (public and private) and strict liability under the rule in Rylands v Fletcher.
- Libel and slander.
- Vicarious liability.
- General defences.
It is assessed entirely by unseen examination.
Main texts:
- Giliker, P. & S. Beckwith, Tort (2nd ed., London: Sweet & Maxwell, 2004). ISBN : 0-421-85980-6.
- Kidner, R. Casebook on torts (8th ed., Oxford: OUP, 2004). ISBN : 0-19-926870-3.