TORTS (4) (REQ550)

Professors James Brook, David Chang, Kris Franklin, Randolph Jonakait, Joyce Saltalamachia, Ross Sandler, Richard Sherwin, Michael Sinclair, and Peter Zablotsky.

Introduction to the rules governing civil liability for breach of duty causing harm or injury to persons and property. Covers intentional torts such as assault, battery and intentional infliction of mental distress, and defenses such as consent, self-defense and protection of property. Focus is on liability for injuries caused by negligent conduct. Topics include standard of care, scope of duty to others, proof of causation, apportionment of liability among the parties, limitation of liability due to remote or unforeseen causes, and the evolution of defenses including contributory negligence, assumption of risk and comparative fault. Also covered are the development of strict liability theories and an introduction to products liability.