BU231 Lecture 2: Unit Two Torts
Document Summary
The concept of tort - a tort can be defined as a wrongful act committed against the person or property of another which is actionable at law. Tort does not require there to be a relationship between the involved parties as contract does. Examples of recognized torts include - trespass, negligence, libel, slander, negligence, and the careless causing of injury to another. The doctrine of fault - most torts, including negligence required a finding of fault before liability can be established. The doctrine means that the courts will attempt to confine their awards to circumstances in which they discern some element of fault or blameworthiness on the part of the defendant. Example: you leave a teakettle on when you go to work, it boils dry and starts a fire. Even though you didn"t mean to do it, you are still liable. Objective criterion: external standard of a reasonable person".
