Tort Law Overview
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Questions and Answers

What must occur for a private nuisance to be considered actionable?

  • It must be continuous. (correct)
  • It must only involve landowners.
  • It must be a one-off incident.
  • It must be directly harmful.
  • In the case of Fearn v Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery, what was the preliminary issue raised?

  • Whether the activity constituted a trespass.
  • Whether the activity was necessary for ordinary use. (correct)
  • Whether the defendants acted in good faith.
  • Whether the nuisance was intentional.
  • Which of the following is NOT a recognized defense in tort law?

  • Consent
  • Contributory negligence
  • Unlawful visitors
  • Private nuisance (correct)
  • When considering liability in a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, what aspect was highlighted regarding the occupier?

    <p>Risk attached to the job does not depend on waiting. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes trespassing in the context of property law?

    <p>Tortious interference with land. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'unlawful visitors' in tort law?

    <p>Individuals not under any legal justification to be present. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception regarding contributory negligence?

    <p>It can lead to complete exoneration of defendants. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about private nuisance is true?

    <p>It involves interference with property enjoyment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary defense against a civil action concerning public nuisance?

    <p>Statutory authority permitting the nuisance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is not a civil remedy for nuisances?

    <p>Criminal charges (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what condition can a private citizen bring an action for tort regarding nuisances?

    <p>If they can prove special damage beyond others (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Rylands v. Fletcher rule state regarding land use?

    <p>A non-natural use of land can create liability for damage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is NOT considered when identifying statutory nuisances?

    <p>Duration of the nuisance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who generally bears the onus of proof in cases of statutory nuisance?

    <p>The local authority (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions is considered rare in civil actions against public nuisance?

    <p>An action brought by a realtor in the name of the attorney general (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about length as a defense in nuisance cases is true?

    <p>Length cannot be used as a defense (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be established to prove negligence in a duty of care claim?

    <p>A causal link between the defendant's actions and the plaintiff's injury (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which landmark case was the general duty of care in negligence first introduced?

    <p>Donoghue v Stevenson (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'damage is not too remote' refer to in a negligence claim?

    <p>There was a clear chain of causation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect must be evaluated when establishing a negligence claim?

    <p>If the damage was foreseeable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of negligence, who did the courts establish owed a duty of care in the case of Donoghue v Stevenson?

    <p>Any person who might consume the product (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary concern leading to the evaluation of the rule regarding bursting reservoirs?

    <p>Potential property damage from flooding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the House of Lords determine regarding the manufacturer in Donoghue v Stevenson?

    <p>Liability was extended to any class of people who might drink the product (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'D breached the duty of care' imply in a negligence context?

    <p>D acted in a manner that was unsafe or unreasonable (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key element that someone must have in order to sue for private nuisance?

    <p>The person must have legal standing in connection with the affected land. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a defense to a private nuisance claim?

    <p>Unforeseeable damage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is considered in determining the reasonableness of a private nuisance?

    <p>The sensitivity of the claimant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'continuous and indirect interference' refer to in cases of private nuisance?

    <p>Ongoing disruptions that do not directly impact a property. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes public nuisance?

    <p>Materially affects the reasonable comfort of a class of society. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of public nuisance, what is required for a claim to be valid?

    <p>Local authorities must initiate proceedings on behalf of the public. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which case exemplifies a situation where public nuisance was claimed due to accessing a ferry terminal?

    <p>Tate &amp; Lyle v Greater London Council (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following elements is NOT a requirement for proving private nuisance?

    <p>Familiarity with existing nuisances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the act of God defense involve in regard to private nuisance?

    <p>Unaffected by any human intervention. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be proven for a private nuisance to be actionable?

    <p>The nuisance must be non-ordinary and unreasonable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cases addresses the issue of continuous interference in private nuisance?

    <p>Kennaway v Thompson (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must a claimant suffer for a private nuisance claim to be valid?

    <p>Some form of harm or damage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In determining a private nuisance, which aspect is considered with respect to time?

    <p>The duration and intensity of the nuisance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a remedy in private nuisance cases?

    <p>Injunctions to prevent further interference. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of tortious liability?

    <p>It results from the violation of a duty set by law. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following aims is NOT associated with tort law?

    <p>Revenge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of tort does traffic accident negligence fall under?

    <p>Negligence tort (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'actionable per se' mean in the context of tort law?

    <p>Certain actions are wrong regardless of damage. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of the mental element in tort law?

    <p>It can be absent in strict liability cases. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered trespass to land?

    <p>Deliberately entering someone else's property without permission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is battery in the context of tort law?

    <p>Intentional and direct application of force. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is an example of assault?

    <p>Raising a fist to threaten someone without contact. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a defense against trespass?

    <p>Retaliation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the Compensation Act 2006?

    <p>To reduce the number of claims for trivial damages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of strict liability?

    <p>An accident caused by mechanical failure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which case was it confirmed that direct interference constitutes battery?

    <p>Fagan Metropolitan Police Commissioner (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes the act of exceeding lawful authority by law enforcement?

    <p>Trespass (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which case did a visitor claim for an injury caused by unsafe water?

    <p>Tomlinson v Congleton Borough Council 2003 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason for a visitor to claim compensation under the Law?

    <p>The injury must be someone else's fault (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the court decide in Haseldine v Daw 1941 regarding the occupier's liability?

    <p>The occupier was liable for the contractor's negligence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which case established that extra care is required for children as visitors?

    <p>Phipps v Rochester Corporation 1935 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor does the common law consider when determining liability for visitors?

    <p>Variable standards for different types of visitors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Woodward v Mayor of Hastings 1945, who was held liable for the injury?

    <p>The occupier of the property (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were the children in Phipps v Rochester Corporation found not to be trespassing?

    <p>The area was open and accessible (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect is important when evaluating an occupier's liability under tort law?

    <p>The level of control the occupier has over the property (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the nature of the injuries in Tomlinson v Congleton Borough Council 2003?

    <p>Paraplegia from diving into shallow water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary duty is highlighted for occupiers regarding independent contractors?

    <p>They must ensure the contractor acts safely (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does the law recognize when considering claims from visitors?

    <p>Both lawful and unlawful visitors may claim (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which case did a person slip on icy church steps?

    <p>Woodward v Mayor of Hastings 1945 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of occupier's liability, what does 'reasonableness' refer to?

    <p>The precautions taken against foreseeable risks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the established cases, which of the following is least likely to be a factor in determining liability?

    <p>The culpability of the person injured (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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    Flashcards

    Consent as a Defense

    A legal defense where the injured party knowingly and willingly accepted the risk of harm, negating liability.

    Contributory Negligence

    A legal defense where the injured party's own negligence contributed to their harm, reducing the defendant's liability.

    Unlawful Visitor

    An unlawful visitor who enters another's property without permission. They are not owed the same level of care as invitees or licensees.

    Private Nuisance

    A civil wrong that involves continuous and unlawful interference with the use and enjoyment of another's land.

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    Private Nuisance: Continuity Requirement

    A private nuisance requires ongoing interference with the land, not a single isolated incident.

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    Fearn v Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery

    In the case of Fearn v Board of Trustees of the Tate Gallery, the court determined that activities necessary for the normal operation of a building are not necessarily considered a nuisance, even if they cause annoyance.

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    Preliminary Issue #1: Annoyance vs Actionable Nuisance

    A preliminary issue in determining a private nuisance claim is whether the activity in question is inherently an annoyance, but not necessarily a legally actionable nuisance.

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    Ordinary Use of a Building

    The 'ordinary use' of a building refers to activities essential for its normal operation, which may not necessarily be considered a nuisance.

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    Civil action for nuisance (by a private citizen)

    An action taken by a private individual to stop a nuisance that causes them specific harm beyond that experienced by the general public.

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    Civil Action for Nuisance (by a local authority)

    An action brought by a local authority under the Local Government Act 1972 to stop a nuisance within their jurisdiction.

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    Civil Action for Nuisance (by Attorney General)

    A nuisance claim brought by an Attorney General on behalf of a private citizen when broader public interest is at stake.

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    Statutory Authority (Nuisance Defense)

    A legal defense arguing that the alleged nuisance is permitted by law, protecting the defendant from liability.

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    Rylands v Fletcher Rule

    A legal principle establishing liability when someone brings something onto their land that, if it escapes, can cause harm to others.

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    Damages (Nuisance Remedy)

    Financial compensation awarded to a person who has suffered harm due to a nuisance.

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    Prohibitory Injunction (Nuisance Remedy)

    A court order that stops a person from performing a specific action that contributes to the nuisance.

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    Statutory Nuisance

    Nuisances that are particularly harmful to the environment, public health, or both.

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    Tort

    A civil wrong that arises from a breach of a duty primarily fixed by law, generally towards persons.

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    What is Tort usually about?

    Compensation for a wrong that has been done.

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    Assault

    An intentional act that threatens violence or produces a reasonable expectation of immediate unlawful force.

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    Battery

    The direct and intentional application of force to another person without consent.

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    Trespass to Land

    The oldest recognized tort, protecting the lawful possession of land.

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    Trespass to Goods

    Direct interference with another person's possessions, which can be actionable without proof of damage.

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    Strict Liability

    A type of tort where liability is imposed even without proof of intent or negligence.

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    Intention (within Tort)

    The act must have been deliberate.

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    Negligence

    A type of tort where liability arises from a failure to exercise reasonable care.

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    Appeasement (objective of Tort)

    Aims to prevent people from taking the law into their own hands and achieving justice by ensuring fairness.

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    Deterrence (Objective of Tort)

    Aims to discourage wrongful acts by making wrongdoers face consequences.

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    Compensation (objective of Tort)

    Aims to provide compensation to those who have suffered harm.

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    Claimant

    The person who brings a claim in civil court.

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    Defendant

    The person who is accused of wrongdoing in a civil court.

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    Vicarious Liability

    Where one person is held liable for the actions of another.

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    Foreseeability in Negligence

    In negligence, the type of damage caused must be foreseeable. For example, if you negligently leave a ladder lying around, it is foreseeable that someone might trip over it and hurt themselves. However, if you negligently leave a ladder around and someone uses it to climb a tree and falls, that kind of damage is not foreseeable.

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    Evaluate Rule in Negligence

    The "Evaluate Rule" in negligence law means considering the specific circumstances which led to the establishment of a rule and whether those circumstances are relevant to the current case. It is a way to determine whether a rule applied in a previous case is relevant to a new case.

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    Elements of a Negligence Claim

    To succeed in a negligence claim, you must prove three things: 1. The defendant owed you a duty of care. 2. The defendant breached that duty of care. 3. The defendant's breach caused your damage.

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    Duty of Care

    A duty of care is a legal obligation to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others. This obligation arises when there is a sufficiently close relationship between the defendant and the claimant.

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    Breach of Duty of Care

    A breach of duty of care occurs when a defendant fails to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonable person in their position. This means they didn't act with reasonable care and caution.

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    Damage Not Too Remote

    The damage caused by the defendant's negligence must be a direct and foreseeable consequence of their actions. This is to prevent liability for remote or unexpected consequences.

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    Donoghue v Stevenson

    The "Donoghue v Stevenson" case established a general duty of care in negligence law, stating that a manufacturer owes a duty of care to consumers of their products, even if there is no contractual relationship between them.

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    Expansion of Liability in Negligence

    The "Donoghue v Stevenson" principle has been expanded to cover situations beyond the original case, such as the duty of care owed by public authorities and landowners.

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    Legal Standing in Private Nuisance

    Someone claiming private nuisance must demonstrate they have a legitimate connection to the land affected by the nuisance.

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    Unreasonable Use (Private Nuisance)

    An unreasonable use of land that doesn't fit within the accepted norms of the area.

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    Foreseeability of Damage

    The impact of the nuisance must have been foreseeable, meaning it was reasonably likely to happen.

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    Continuous Interference (Private Nuisance)

    A private nuisance requires a continuous and indirect interference with the enjoyment of land.

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    Proof of Harm (Private Nuisance)

    The claimant needs to demonstrate some actual harm, inconvenience, or damage caused by the nuisance.

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    Act of God Defense

    An act of God, like a natural disaster, can be a valid defense against claims of private nuisance.

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    Statutory Authority Defense

    A legal permission granted by an authority for an action that might otherwise cause a nuisance.

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    Injunction (Nuisance Remedy)

    A court order prohibiting someone from continuing an activity that creates a nuisance.

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    Public Nuisance

    A public nuisance significantly affects the comfort, health, or convenience of a substantial group of people.

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    Class of People (Public Nuisance)

    A public nuisance requires more than one person to be affected. An individual isn't enough.

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    Special Harm (Public Nuisance)

    For a public nuisance claim, the claimant must prove that they suffered unique or particularly severe harm.

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    Fault (Public Nuisance)

    The defendant is responsible for a public nuisance if they knew or should have known about the risk it posed.

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    Public Nuisance Example

    An example of a potential disturbance that courts may consider a public nuisance.

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    Who can sue for private nuisance?

    The individual must be connected to the land affected by the nuisance, like an owner or leaseholder.

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    Legal Standing

    The legal right for someone to sue another person or entity.

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    Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 (OLA 1957)

    The Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 (OLA 1957) governs compensation for injuries sustained on another person's property in the UK. Claimants can only receive compensation if their harm results from the fault of the occupier.

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    Visitor

    A visitor is someone who enters a premise with permission. This can be either lawful, like a customer in a shop, or unlawful, like a trespasser.

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    Common law standard of care for visitors

    Common law defines the standard of care owed to visitors based on their relationship with the occupier. This standard can vary depending on whether they're an invitee, licensee, or trespasser.

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    Tomlinson v Congleton Borough Council (2003)

    In the case of Tomlinson v Congleton Borough Council (2003), the claimant dived into a lake despite warning signs and became paralyzed. The court ruled that the occupier was not liable, as the claimant's actions were unreasonable.

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    Occupiers' Liability for Independent Contracted Work

    Occupiers are responsible for the negligence of independent contractors they employ, even if the contractors are technically separate entities. This requires the occupier to exercise reasonable care in selecting and supervising the contractor. The occupier can still be held liable if the contractor's negligence causes harm to a visitor.

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    Haseldine v Daw (1941)

    The Haseldine v Daw (1941) case involved a claimant getting injured in an elevator maintained by a contractor. The court ruled that the occupier was still liable because they had a duty to ensure the contractor's competence and supervision.

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    Woodward v Mayor of Hastings (1945)

    The Woodward v Mayor of Hastings (1945) case involved a child slipping on icy church steps. The court ruled that the occupier was liable for the negligence of the person responsible for cleaning the steps, even though it was not the occupier themselves. This exemplifies the responsibility of occupiers to control the actions of those responsible for the premises.

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    Special Considerations for Children

    Special considerations are often required for children as visitors to a property. Due to their lack of experience and judgment, occupiers have a higher responsibility to protect them from potential hazards.

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    Phipps v Rochester Corporation (1935)

    The Phipps v Rochester Corporation (1935) case involved a child falling into an unhidden hole on a building site. The court ruled that the occupier was liable because the hazard was not obvious to a child, even though it was visible to an adult.

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    Occupier

    An 'occupier' is someone who has a sufficient degree of control over the property, whether it's their own home, a workplace, or a public space.

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    Reasonable Person Test

    The 'reasonable person' test is a legal standard used to determine whether an occupier has acted with reasonable care in the circumstances. This test considers what a reasonable person would have done in the same situation.

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    Breach of Duty

    A 'breach of duty' occurs when an occupier fails to meet the required standard of care, creating a reasonably foreseeable risk of harm to a visitor. The occupier can be liable for injuries resulting from this breach.

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    Causation

    A 'causation' is the link between the occupier's breach of duty and the visitor's injury. The breach must be a direct cause of the injury, meaning the injury would not have occurred without the breach.

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    Remoteness of Damage

    The 'remoteness of damage' refers to the idea that an occupier is only liable for damages that are a foreseeable consequence of their breach of duty. Unforeseeable consequences are not generally the occupier's responsibility.

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    Study Notes

    Tort

    • Tortious liability arises from breaching a legal duty, typically towards individuals.
    • Tort is defined as a wrong (in French).
    • Torts often involve compensation for financial losses due to an acknowledged wrong.
    • Common types of torts: traffic accidents (negligence), assault/battery, exceeding police authority, pollution.
    • Tort objectives include preventing unlawful actions, ensuring fairness, and deterring similar conduct.

    Compensation

    • Public policy concerns regarding excessive litigation.
    • Compensation for accidents is not always warranted, not everything needs compensation.
    • Compensation Act 2006 addresses compensation issues.
    • Mental element required in some torts: deliberate acts (intention) or negligence.
    • Strict liability torts don't require a mental element.
    • Proof of damage/loss is crucial in tort actions.
    • Parties involved in legal action: claimant and defendant.
    • Deceased estates can be considered parties.
    • Vicarious liability involves responsibility for the actions of others.

    Trespass

    • Intentional acts, like physical interference with another's land, is an actionable tort.
    • Stanley v Powell case confirmed the need to prove fault in deliberate acts.
    • Physical interference (e.g., battery) is trespassing against a person.
    • Protects fundamental rights: possession and enjoyment of land, goods, and physical integrity.

    Trespass to Land

    • Oldest tort, 800 years old, protects lawful land possession.
    • Right to possess land, Kelson v Imperial Tobacco case.
    • Defenses, e.g., statutory authority, necessity.

    Assault

    • Intentional act threatening violence or creating fear of immediate harm.

    Battery

    • Intentional and direct physical contact without consent.

    Defenses to Assault and Battery

    • Consent, relevant in medical contexts, sports, and consensual activities.

    False Imprisonment

    • Complete restriction of movement without lawful reason or excuse.
    • Bird v Jones (1845): complete prevention of movement is required.

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