Torts

Overview

The course covers the fundamental principles of the general law of torts, informed by a theoretical, practical and comparative approach emphasizing the underlying function and role of the law of torts in contemporary society. There is also a recurring stress placed throughout the module on the relationship between the law of contract and tort. What is the law of torts? Syllabus Preview (incl. Human Rights Act 1998). Underlying function and philosophy of torts. Harm to the Person. Deliberate and Negligent harm to the person. Protection of Land. Private Nuisance/Public Nuisance. Protection of Reputation. Defamation. Privacy. Concluding Issues Parties, remedies and defences; Course review.

Learning Objectives

Students will acquire: (i) an understanding of the principles upon which tort liability is imposed, including the historical, political, social, economic and other factors which may affect the development of such liability, (ii) a knowledge and understanding of selected areas of the law of torts. Lectures to be made available for download via Microsoft Production package, as assisted by QUB Media Services. The first of these learning outcomes will enable students to understand the broad patterns of tort liability and to be able to identify the main policy reasons why the courts or Parliament have developed the scope of tort liability in particular ways. The second learning outcome will enable students, in the context of a given problem or essay question, to identify the relevant area(s) of the law of torts and to apply that law in detail with precision and accuracy.

Skills

Building on Level 1 and 2, students will acquire and develop a wide range of legal and wider employability skills including: Understand the Law of Torts in its wider contexts in terms of links to Contract Law; Identify accurately issues that require researching; Problem Solving; Identify and retrieve up to date legal information; Use relevant primary and secondary legal sources; Recognise and rank items and issues in terms of relevance and importance; Bring together information and materials from a variety of different sources; Act independently in planning and undertaking tasks; Synthesise doctrinal and policy issues in relation to a topic; Judge critically the merits of particular arguments; Present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions; Make a personal and reasoned judgment based on an informed understanding of standard arguments in the area of law in question; Reflect on own learning and proactively seek and make use of feedback; Use English proficiently; Time management; Present knowledge or an argument in a way that is comprehensible to others and which is directed at their concerns; Use, present and evaluate information provided in a numerical or statistical form.

Assessment

100% Coursework