Tort Law

Module overview

Welcome to the Law of Torts! This module will introduce you to selected torts in English law and to broader issues in tortious liability as addressed in court and in legal scholarship. Torts covered in this module include torts of negligence including a week dedicated to medical negligence, trespass to the person, nuisance and the rule in Rylands v Fletcher and defamation. We will also consider more advanced topics in the law of torts, such as vicarious liability, defences and remedies. Principles, rules, and policies are examined in a manner that invites you to consider this diverse and dynamic area of law in light of its underlying unity and its responsiveness to social needs. The module provides an overview of: key cases, current judicial developments, doctrinal debates and theoretical controversies over the nature, scope, and function of the law of torts. You will learn to apply rules to facts, weigh principles, and acknowledge areas of uncertainty as they find their way through problem questions. Essay questions provide an opportunity to critically consider and evaluate aspirations of justice, coherence, and effectiveness in the law of torts and to reflect upon its distinctive place in private law and beyond.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

300 hours overall composed of independent study and teaching. •Independent study Follow up work 18 hours Preparation for Scheduled classes 150 hours Revision 70 hours •Teaching Lecture 42 hours Tutorials 20 hours

Study time
Type	Hours
Lecture	42
Preparation for scheduled sessions	150
Tutorial	20
Revision	70
Follow-up work	18
Total study time	300

Assessment

Assessment strategy

This module is assessed via two summative assessment tasks. Task 1 held during the January coursework assessment period, is to write a 2,000-word letter to a client advising them on their liability in negligence, including available defences. This submission counts for 30% of the total mark. Task 2 held during the summer examination period, is a 2 hour exam where you are asked to answer two questions (one problem and one essay question) with a word limit of 1,500 words per question. Answers should be referenced according to OSCOLA (references should include citations only and WILL count towards the word limit). An optional in-person formative assessment will be offered in week 9 of semester 1 and 2. In Semester 1, you will be asked to answer one problem question in an hour. In Semester 2, you will be asked to answer one essay question in the hour lecture. Your tutors will provide marks and written feedback on your performance in the formative assessment. Feedback is available throughout the module through: -Tutorials (in-person discussions with your seminar tutors. You should expect to prepare essay and problem questions for tutorials. Your tutor will provide oral feedback on your answers.) -Lectures (all lectures include a quiz on last weeks materials to test your knowledge and understanding and a Q and A session).0 -Advice Hours (all members of the teaching team hold weekly advice hours) -Q and A page on Blackboard Ultra -Formative assessments -Summative assessments

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Essay	30%
Exam	70%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External