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Chapter 5

Introduction to Tort Law

Torts are civil wrongs other than breach of contract for which the law will allow compensation

• The root of the word tort comes from the Latin torquere and tortus: to twist and twisted.

• Private (civil) wrongs against persons or property for which the law allows compensation

– Three types:

Intentional torts: involve harm that is done either on purpose or by engaging in conduct substantially likely to yield harm of the type the tort feasor is accused of causing

Negligence: involves foreseeable injury caused directly from a failure to observe reasonable care under the circumstances

Strict liability: involves harm caused by tort feasors who engage in ultrahazardous activities or who sell products that through a design or manufacturing defect are unreasonably dangerous to consumer

Negligence

• Causing injuring to another person or his/her property by failing to apply a standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would use under the circumstances can lead to negligence liability


Introduction to Tort Law

Torts are civil wrongs other than breach of contract for which the law will allow compensation

• The root of the word tort comes from the Latin torquere and tortus: to twist and twisted.

• Private (civil) wrongs against persons or property for which the law allows compensation

– Three types:

Intentional torts: involve harm that is done either on purpose or by engaging in conduct substantially likely to yield harm of the type the tort feasor is accused of causing

Negligence: involves foreseeable injury caused directly from a failure to observe reasonable care under the circumstances

Strict liability: involves harm caused by tort feasors who engage in ultrahazardous activities or who sell products that through a design or manufacturing defect are unreasonably dangerous to consumer

Negligence

• Causing injuring to another person or his/her property by failing to apply a standard of care that a reasonably prudent person would use under the circumstances can lead to negligence liability