Torts

The unit commences with an introductory study of the roles and objectives of the law of torts and damages in redressing and compensating civil wrongs. Students then examine some of the ‘intentional’ or trespass torts, private nuisance, and relevant defences. Next, students study, in detail, the tort of negligence, including its elements (duty of care, breach, damage, factual causation and scope of liability) and defences. Particular negligence situations or non-paradigm duties (such as positive duties, pure mental harm, pure economic loss, and/or public authority liability) are also discussed. The unit ends with an examination of concurrent liability and statutory compensation schemes. Throughout the unit, students explore the impact of the civil liability reforms on the law of torts in the broader context of how civil wrongs should be redressed.