Exam Type: In Class

This course concerns the legal protection afforded in civil proceedings against interference by others with security of one’s person, property or intangible interests. It is not directly concerned with the law of property and contract, which form the subject of other courses, but it explores relationships with these bodies of law. Three fundamental theories of liability emerge: intentional interference, negligence, and strict liability. The influence of these theories and of associated policies is studied in the context of recognized categories of tort liability, particularly battery, negligence, trespass, nuisance, strict liability, product liability and also no-fault plans. Through these illustrations the course seeks to develop an understanding of the law’s search for basic principles to govern the resolution of human conflicts, particularly disputes having to do with the harmful side-effects of productive activity.