Business and technology qualifications, Levels 3-6, in Brussels. Explore qualifications
Portal login

Tort Law

LAW502

Course CodeLAW502
ECTS

Course Description

This module will introduce you to Tort law, helping you develop the skills to understand the functions of Tort law, how actions are brought, duty of care established and remedies that can be provided for breaches of Tort law. You will also examine and understand how negligence is applied and the tests surrounding this and other breaches. You will be able to identify defences for breaches of tort law and how this will impact upon remedies.

Course Objectives

This module will introduce you to Tort law, helping you develop the skills to understand the functions of Tort law, how actions are brought, duty of care established and remedies that can be provided for breaches of Tort law. You will also examine and understand how negligence is applied and the tests surrounding this and other breaches. You will be able to identify defences for breaches of tort law and how this will impact upon remedies.

Key Topics

  1. LO1: Understand the development of common law tort.
  2. LO2: Understand the different torts and policy considerations.
  3. LO3: Understand the defences and remedies available in tort law.

Course Outline

WeekTopics
1Purpose and historical development of tort law
2Elements of a negligence action: duty, breach, causation and remoteness
3Duty of care: Donoghue v Stevenson, the neighbour principle, foreseeability, proximity and policy
4Private and public nuisance: actionable interferences and reasonableness
5Economic loss: pure and consequential loss, the no-recovery rule and Hedley Byrne v Heller
6Defamation: libel and slander, who may sue; trespass to land
7Vicarious liability: the close connection test and Lister v Hesley Hall
MidtermMidterm evaluation
9Negligence defences: contributory negligence, volenti non fit injuria, ex turpi causa
10Nuisance defences and remedies; defamation defences
11Remedies for trespass to land and consolidation of defences and remedies
12Applying Tort Law in practice: case studies
13Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing
14Assignment workshop: drafting, feedback and improvement
15Review and coursework completion
FinalFinal assessment and submission

Learning Outcomes

  1. LO1 Understand the development of common law tort.
  2. 1.1 Explain the historical origins of Tort Law.
  3. 1.2 Define the functions of Tort Law.
  4. 1.3 Define the elements of the Cause of Action.
  5. 1.4 Discuss the Development of the Duty of Care.
  6. 1.5 Define public and private nuisance.
  7. LO2 Understand the different torts and policy considerations.
  8. 2.1 Define economic loss.
  9. 2.2 Explain the difference between pure and consequential economic loss.
  10. 2.3 Explain the concept of Defamation.
  11. 2.4 Define Trespass to Land.
  12. 2.5 Discuss the nature and operation of vicarious liability.
  13. LO3 Understand the defences and remedies available in tort law.
  14. 3.1 Explain Contributory Negligence and Negligence Defences.
  15. 3.2 Discuss Occupiers Liability and defences.
  16. 3.3 Evaluate defences and remedies in nuisance.
  17. 3.4 Analyse defamation defences.
  18. 3.5 Define the damages that can be sought by the claimant for trespass of land.
Back to programme
Scroll