LAW40770 Role of Tort Law in the 21st Century

Academic Year 2018/2019

In Semester I the module will introduce the nature of civil liability for one's acts. In particular, specific attention will be given to the most prolific of all torts, negligence. It will examine how liability arises from different legal relationships, the type of conduct and nature of the loss suffered. Most areas of negligence will be covered from a predominantly comparative perspective giving an understanding of the current law in this area. The areas to be covered include: Emergence and Development of Negligence and The Duty of Care; Misstatements; Omissions; Economic Loss; Nervous Shock; Occupier's Liability; Local Authorities; Builders, Vendors and Lessors; The Standard of Care and Medical Negligence.In Semester II the module will examine a number of nominate torts. It contrasts with semester I by identifying the array of actions that can be taken in tort apart from an action in negligence. The module concentrates on specific interests protected by tort law in relation to land, the person, goods and ones reputation. Common law and statutory torts are examined. Topics to be covered may include subject to time constraints: Trespass to land; Nuisance; The Rule in Rylands v. Fletcher, Liability for Animals, Products Liability; Trespass to the person involving assault, battery, false imprisonment, the Rule in Wilkinson v. Downton; Trespass to goods including, conversion, detinue and passing off; Defamation and defences to Defamation

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles governing each area of the module covered through the use of appropriate legal terminology.2. Comprehend the principles of each area of the module and the difference between each area of the module.3. Provide an analysis, discussion and commentary upon each area of the module.4. Apply the principles arising from each area to novel factual scenarios. In addition students should have an in depth knowlege and appreciation of the areas covered. Students should be able to comprehensively analyse and discuss the areas covered. Students should be able with precision to answer problem questions set in relation to the topics covered.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

48
Seminar (or Webinar)

16
Autonomous Student Learning

186
Total

250
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.



 
Description % of Final Grade Timing
Examination: Written examination end of Semester II (2 hours).

60

 2 hour End of Trimester Exam
Essay: Essay (2000 words; due 17 Jan 2019).

30

 Week 6
Attendance: Attendance and participation at seminars

10

 Throughout the Trimester

Compensation

This module is not passable by compensation

Resit Opportunities

End of Semester Exam

Remediation

1. Studenets in the UCD Sutherland School of Law who fail a core module will have the opportunity to resit the module at the next available opportunity i.e. the next examination session.2. Students in hte UCD Sutherland School of Law who fail an optional module may EITHER re-take the assessment in that module at the next available opportunity i.e. the next examination session OR may decide to substitute the failed module with another module at the same or higher level.3. Students must take responsibility forr the following:- registering on line to the choice of resitting or substituting a failed module through UCD's SIS registration system, and, - ensuring that any substitute module is in compliance with the programme requirements for their degree.If a student is not sure about this, s/he should contact their Programme Manager in the Law Programme Office Sutherland School of Law.