This module aims to:
• Provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of the functions of the law of tort;
• Develop and deepen knowledge of a range of discrete torts, including topics not currently covered by any other syllabus;
• Enhance student awareness of the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of tort law;
• Enable students to identify and critically analyse the doctrinal and policy challenges extant in tort law;
• Satisfy students’ academic curiosity for the law of tort and, where relevant, provide the intellectual foundation for careers in common-law practice or academia.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, theory and practice of tort law.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate advanced understanding of the social and economic context in which the law of tort functions, tort’s aims and objectives, and its underlying theoretical foundations and policy issues.

(LO3) Students will be able to identify and correctly apply the law to a set of hypothetical facts and confidently manage factual and evidential uncertainty.

(LO4) Students will be able to adopt a critical perspective to existing legal rules and identify constructive suggestions for reform.

(LO5) Students will be able to undertake independent, self-directed research with appropriate guidance.

(LO6) Students will be able to construct and present coherent legal argument, orally and in writing.

(S1) Critical analysis

(S2) Problem identification

(S3) Managing uncertainty

(S4) Synthesis

(S5) Research

The syllabus will comprise a selection of the following topics:
• Theories of tort law (i.e., corrective and distributive justice; rights-based theories; economic theories; and critical approaches to tort)
• Reproductive negligence and liability for congenital disability
• Strict liability for animals (Animals Act 1971)
• Strict liability for defective products (Consumer Protection Act 1987)
• Employers’ liability
• Public authority liability
• Trespass to land and goods
• Economic torts (i.e., inducing a breach of contract; causing loss by unlawful means; conspiracy)
• Misfeasance in public office
• Privacy and malicious falsehood
• Damages and death

Teaching Method 1: Lecture

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 22

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 0

Description: Students will attend 22 hours of lectures. These sessions will provide students with a broad overview of the subject area, a structure to follow to aid comprehension and facilitate independent study, and analysis of and guidance on key issues.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Seminar

Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 8

Unscheduled Directed Student Hours: 0

Description: Students will attend four 2-hour seminars. These sessions will take place on a fortnightly cycle. Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for these sessions in advance. These sessions will interrogate various module topics in detail, offering students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to problem-based questions and consolidate their independent learning of the subject.

Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learn ing Hours: 120

Description: Students will spend 120 hours on self-directed learning tasks (e.g., preparation for seminars, research, revision, tackling pre-release tasks, and so on).