Overview

The module will allow students to study a range of issues within Tort Law, including but not limited to:

• Negligence, including its basic principles, duty and standard of care, causation and breach of duty;
• Medical Negligence including liability for psychiatric injuries;
• Product Liability;
• Liability of Public Bodies;
• Personal Tort such as Defamation and privacy;
• Land Tort such as Nuisance & the Rule in Rylands v Fletcher, Trespass to Land and Occupier’s Liability;
• Defences and Limitations in Tort Law;
• Remedies and Compensation in Tort Law.

Assessment Strategy

-excellent -A- to A* (70+%) An outstanding answer containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in a clear, logical, critical argument with little room for improvement. An answer which demonstrates a complete mastery of the subject.

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%) High Standard: A comprehensive answer, containing all the material relevant to the question and no irrelevancy, all the material and references being accurate and correct, there being no inaccuracy or error, the whole presented in an argument which, while clear, logical and critical, leaves room for improvement in its construction and presentation. An answer which shows complete competence in the subject.

-another level-C- to C+ (50-59%) An answer which, while always in the main accurate and correct, fails to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant material and is lacking in criticism. An answer which while reliable with regard to correctness is either not comprehensive or not entirely pertinent.

-threshold -D- to D+ (40-49%) An answer which, while predominantly correct in its presentation of material, contains a significant level of error and is therefore not entirely reliable.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to analyse and critically discuss the competing policy considerations and their impact on the development of Tort Law.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the contents of key areas of Tort Law and apply the knowledge to solve problems raised in actual or hypothetical scenarios.

• Identify, synthesise and critically evaluate the general defences in Tort Law including the rules relating to the assessment of damages.

• Reflect critically on the role of the Tort Law in the civil justice system and the society more generally and carry out effective research on those issues using both primary and secondary sources.