The Law of Torts: An Introduction (Lecture 1: LAWS11069)

This lecture introduces you to the law of Torts in Australia as one of the main categories in the law of civil obligations. Along with Contract law, this unit will provide you with a solid foundation in many of the civil law issues faced in legal practice. You will gain an understanding of civil wrongs as developed by the common law yet increasingly supplemented by legislation. This unit will commence with an overview of tort law, its development and aims. You will also study the torts of negligence, trespass, nuisance and defamation, including available defences. Forms of concurrent liability are also considered along with remedies in tort and alternative statutory compensation schemes. Finally, the unit will consider the protection available in tort from unfair business practices. Tort law is constantly evolving and often raises unique and complex social and moral questions. The unit will develop your ability to think critically about the relationship of law to social, economic and political conditions.