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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title Advanced Torts
Module Code LG225
School School of Law & Government

Online Module Resources

Level 1 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims

This module builds on Foundation Torts by exploring further the function and role of the law of torts in contemporary society.

The module will examine in depth the public policy considerations that underlie the law of torts, in particular the requirement for torts law to balance the freedom to take action with the social need for the containment of risks.

The module will provide students with enhanced understanding of the principles of torts as laid down in the common law rules and in legislation.



Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:

  1. Critically appraise the different policy considerations that underpin rules governing the law of torts.
  2. Evaluate and contrast different critical perspectives on the law of torts.
  3. Describe and analyse the core elements of specific torts.
  4. Solve legal problems by reference to both case law and legislation.


Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 24
Tutorials
Laboratories
Seminars
Independent Learning Time 51
Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Part I Overview of the Law of Torts

  • Critical perspectives on Torts (Economic, Feminist, Social Justice)

Part II Procedure

  • Damages

Part III Specific Torts

  • Business & Economic Torts-Employers Liability, Professional Negligence I, Passing Off, Interference with Business Relations.
  • Torts Affecting Land-Defective Premises, Trespass to Land.
  • Torts Affecting Reputation Privacy, Deceit and Injurious Falsehood.
  • Torts & Bodily Integrity, Trespass to the Person, Professional Negligence II (Medical Negligence).
  • Public Authority & Statutory Duties, Liability of Public Authorities, Breach of Statutory Duties.
Assessment
Continuous Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Indicative Reading List

Core

McMahon & Binchy, Irish Law of Torts, 3rd ed. (Butterworths, 2000)

McMahon and Binchy, Case Book on the Irish Law of Torts, 3rd ed. (Tottel, 2005)

Quill, Torts in Ireland, 2nd ed. (Gill and MacMillan, 2004).

Students should also refer regularly to legal journal and periodicals; in particular:

Quarterly Review of Tort Law

Irish Law Times

Judicial Studies Institute Journal

Lecture notes, links to journal articles and websites are posted on the modules Moodle page (DCUs online learning environment).

Supplementary

Bottemley, Feminist Perspectives on the Foundational Subjects of Law (Taylor & Francis, 2004).

Stevens, Torts and Rights, (Oxford, 2007).

Galligan et al, Tort Law: Cases, Perspectives and Problems, 4th ed (LexisNexis, 2007).

Byrne and Binchy, Annual Review of Irish law (published since 1987, Round Hall).

Murphy, Street on Torts, 12th ed. (Oxford, 2007).

Healy, Principles of Irish Torts, (Clarus, 2006).

Quinlivan & Connolly, Tort - Cases and Materials, (Round Hall, 2006)

The following websites are good sources of information:

www.bailii.org

www.irishlaw.org

 

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