Register now for our CAO Open Day.

Module Overview

Torts Law

This is Tort Law for BA Ord (TU112) Students. The module deals with the law of torts in Ireland.  The law of torts is concerned with civil wrongs which do not come within the sphere of contract or equity. More broadly the law of torts is concerned with the resolution of conflicts in society between the interests of different people, with reference to the legally protected interests held by people and the resultant duties incumbent on others to respect those interests.

The aim of this module is to equip students with a knowledge and understanding of principles and rules of Irish tort law, to allow them to understand how those principles apply in a practical context and to provide a comprehensive foundation for the study of other legal modules taught on this programme where knowledge of tort law is necessary or desirable.

This module comprises 10 ECTS credits.  Students will be expected to attend lectures for one and a half hours per week in each module together with tutorials lasting one hour per module approximately once every fortnight.

Module Code

LAW 1041

ECTS Credits

10

*Curricular information is subject to change

Syllabus:

Negligence

-Historical Evolution

-Historical Development in England & Wales

-Historical Development Ireland

-Current Position in England & Wales and Ireland

-Commonwealth Perspectives (Canada, Australia and New Zealand)

 -Policy Considerations and the Imposition of the Duty of Care

Negligent Misstatements

Negligent Infliction of Psychiatric Damage (“ Nervous Shock”)

Pure Economic Loss

Liability of Public Authorities and Breach of Statutory Duty

Occupier’s Liability

Liability of Vendors, Lessors and Builders for Quality Defects and Fitness of Premises

Professional and Medical Negligence

Product Liability

Employer’s Liability

Affirmative Duties / Liability for Negligent Omissions.

Vicarious Liability

The Standard of Care

Causation and Remoteness of Damage

Joint and Several Tortfeasors

The Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur

Nuisance, Private and Public

Trespass to Land

The Rule in Rylands v Fletcher

Liability for Unintended Fire Damage

Liability for Animals

Fatal Injuries

Limitation Periods

Defences

Civil Liability Act,1961

Contributory Negligence

Volenti non fit injuria

Illegality

Defamation and Defences to Defamation

Abuse of Process

Trespass to the Person

-False Imprisonment

-Assault

-Battery

- Infliction of emotional suffering

 

Negligence

Historical EvolutionHistorical Development in England & WalesHistorical Development IrelandCurrent Position in England & Wales and IrelandCommonwealth Perspectives (Canada, Australia and New Zealand) Policy Considerations and the Imposition of the Duty of Care

Categories of loss

Negligent MisstatementsNegligent Infliction of Psychiatric Damage (“ Nervous Shock”)Pure Economic LossEmployer’s LiabilityAffirmative Duties / Liability for Negligent Omissions.Vicarious LiabilityLiability of Public Authorities and Breach of Statutory DutyOccupier’s LiabilityLiability of Vendors, Lessors and Builders for Quality Defects and Fitness of PremisesProfessional and Medical NegligenceProduct LiabilityEmployer’s Liability

Standard of Care

Causation and Remoteness of DamageJoint and Several TortfeasorsThe Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitur

Other Torts

Nuisance, Private and PublicTrespass to LandThe Rule in Rylands v FletcherLiability for Unintended Fire DamageLiability for AnimalsDefamation and Defences to DefamationAbuse of ProcessTrespass to the PersonFalse ImprisonmentAssault Battery

Miscellaneous

Limitation PeriodsDefencesCivil Liability Act,1961Contributory NegligenceVolenti non fit injuriaIllegality

 

Interactive lectures

Self-directed learning

Group study and group discussion

Presentations

Guest lecturers

 

Assessment will consist of a combination of end of session examinations (with both seen and unseen questions) and continuous assessment (including essays and problem-solving exercises). The continuous assessment will count towards 30% of the final mark for this module, with the exam making up the remaining 70% of marks.  Assessment will be made on the basis of students’ demonstrated ability to analyse and comment upon the important principles of and developments in the Law of Torts. In particular, assessment will be conducted by reference to the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of module content.
  • Evidence of understanding of relevant concepts and principles.
  • Originality of thought and evidence of independent research.
  • Clarity of expression and presentation.
  • Technical proficiency.

 

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown %
Formal Examination70
Other Assessment(s)30