Module Information

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.

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.