70311 Torts

Description

The law of torts deals with claims for redress for civil wrongs. Students examine the nature of tortious liability in the light of a selection of specific torts, namely, trespass to the person and land; the action on the case for wilful injuries; negligence and nuisance. Negligence is the most significant tort and it is the primary focus of this subject. Students engage with and develop an understanding of the common law development of doctrine and rules through reading cases. In 2002 and 2003 there were significant legislative reforms to Tort law and the impact of this legislation, in particular the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), and its relationship to the common law is examined.

A law of torts subject is required for admission as a legal practitioner in all Australian jurisdictions. This subject is part of the core program for the Bachelor of Laws and Juris Doctor and provides students with foundational knowledge required for more advanced 'private law' subjects in the law degree. Subjects covering areas such as commercial and corporate law, equity and remedies also require a sound knowledge of Tort law as a basis for the legal concepts learned in those subjects.