LAW1113 · Torts

Overview

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. You will then examine some of the ‘intentional’ or trespass torts, private nuisance, and relevant defences. Next, you will 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, you will explore the impact of the civil liability reforms on the law of torts in the broader context of how civil wrongs should be redressed.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Articulate and apply fundamental tort law principles.
2. Analyse the aims of the law of torts and its relationship with alternative schemes of compensation, and critically evaluate its role and effectiveness in redressing civil wrongs and compensating losses.
3. Demonstrate intellectual and creative skills to articulate legal and/or policy issues, to research, interpret and/or synthesise relevant legal, policy and factual matters, and to formulate reasoned and appropriate responses to legal problems.
4. Communicate effectively and persuasively.
5. Learn and work autonomously and use feedback to improve your own capabilities and performance.
6. Collaborate and communicate effectively to a range of audiences.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.