Module Information

Module Identifier
LA16030
Module Title
Tort
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Co-Requisite
LA14230/GF14230 or LA14720/GF14720 or LA34230/GF34230 or LA34720/GF34720 or LA15710
Mutually Exclusive
Mutually Exclusive
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 40 Hours total
Seminars / Tutorials 8 x 1 hour seminars in total over the two semesters
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 2000 word essay (semester 1)  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Exam (semester 2)  ; This exam is Open Book. Candidates may bring any materials, other than library books, into the examination.  50%
Supplementary Assessment 2000 word essay - if element failed  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Exam - if element failed  ; This exam is Open Book. Candidates may bring any materials, other than library books, into the examination.  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Apply legal information in solving individual problems
2. Have an appreciation of policy issues
3. Use language accurately and effectively
4. Research and analyse complex situations
Tort is a perfect vehicle for the acquisition of analytical skills which are an essential part of training for all lawyers.

Brief description

The Law of Tort addresses a vast range of human experience. In studying the subject students will gain an insight not only into an essential branch of the law but also into how the law affects much of social and economic activity, for this is not a dry and abstract subject but rather one which vitally influences everyday life both in the domestic and business spheres. Accordingly, there is a lively interaction between legal principles and social and economic policy. The Law of Tort is a compulsory subject for LLB students and is a core subject for the purposes of exemption from Part I of the Law Society examinations.

Content

Teaching
Tort is taught by means of lectures and seminars. The lectures will provide an insight into the structure of the law and how cases can be analysed to produce the principles behind the subject. As tort is very much a case law subject the lecturers will not provide a definitive statement of the rules of law but rather the students will be guided into making their own assessment of the meaning of the cases. Reading of the recommended cases is essential and seminars will provide a forum for discussion of the proper understanding and application of the case law where students will gain experience in the clear exposition of complex ideas.

Lectures:
  • Introduction
  • Intentional Torts - battery, assault, false imprisonment
  • Negligence - general negligence
  • Occupiers' liability
  • Nervous shock
  • Vicarious liability
  • Negligent misstatement
  • Product liability
  • Defences to negligence
  • Nuisance
  • Rylands v Fletcher
  • Defamation
  • Liability for Animals
  • Course round-up and Conclusions
Seminars
  • The scope of Tort
  • Intentional Torts
  • Intentional Torts
  • Negligence
  • Negligence
  • Negligence
  • Nuisance, Rylands v Fletcher
  • Defamation

Aims

Apart from providing students with a thorough grounding in the law of tort, the course provides an essential understanding of how the common law operates. In particular it is a perfect vehicle for the acquisition of analytical skills which are an essential part of the training of all lawyers. It provides training in the analysis of complex problems and the ability to think logically, as well as understanding the wider effects of the law and how choices are made for or against liability. As it is very much a case law subject, students will acquire a high level of skill in researching cases both using hard copy versions and by searching various databases. Students will also acquire expertise in case analysis, not only in discerning the legal rules established by the cases, but also in understanding how precedent is developed and how general principles are created.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication Preparation for, and discussion, in seminars.
Improving own Learning and Performance Post-lecture research and seminar preparation.
Information Technology Post-lecture research and seminar preparation.
Personal Development and Career planning Learning throughout the module will be relevant to a career in the legal profession.
Problem solving Preparation for and discussion of problem-solving questions in seminars.
Research skills Post-lecture research and seminar preparation.
Subject Specific Skills Legal research: use of specifically designed legal databases as a resource for statute and case law.
Team work Seminar work: preparation and group discussions.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4