The aim of this course is to study at an introductory level one of the basic disciplines of the common law. When a person has been harmed by the conduct of another - whether he or she incurs injury to their person, property or reputation; or financial loss; or interference with their use of land or goods - and decides to seek a legal remedy for that harm, the law of torts may provide them with a means of receiving compensation for their loss. This course will focus on personal injuries and examine the torts of trespass to the person and negligence. The course will also consider ways in which interests in property can be protected, namely through the tort of trespass to land. Historically the law of torts was largely based on common law (developed through judicial decisions), but legislative reforms in the last decade have made significant changes to the common law.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Evaluate and apply the fundamental legal principles of tort law
- Identify, frame, and analyse torts issues within hypothetical scenarios
- Appraise the context within which tort law has developed, including the common law’s unique form, goals, and history
- Evaluate and apply a range of legally specific research principles, methods, primary legal resources, and tools to respond to a factually complex tort problem
- Articulate legal reasoning, especially in the form of accurate and persuasive written analysis
- Propose solutions to legal problems by approaching problem-solving, reasoning, research, and presentation of work with substantial degrees of autonomy
Indicative Assessment
- Details of the assessment for this course will be provided in the class summary before the start of semester. (null) [LO null]
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Classes offered during semester periods are expected to have 3 contact hours per week (a minimum of 36 hours). Students are generally expected to devote at least 10 hours overall per week to this course.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Please refer to the class summary.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 3
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4830 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $6420 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.