module specification

Law of Tort II is a core module for the LL.B. courses. It builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the study of Law of Tort I. You will study further key principles of the law of tort, which is one of the foundation subjects of English law, as identified by the professional legal bodies, the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

The aims of the module are as follows:
1. You will acquire knowledge of the basic principles of the torts of private nuisance, trespass, defamation, and passing off, as well as studying the principles of vicarious liability.
2. You will develop several key transferable skills, including independent research, critical analysis and cogent academic writing in the context of the law of tort, emphasising the use of primary and secondary sources.
3. You will enhance your employability by the development of these skills, and by the practice of written and oral communication activities.
4. In accordance with ESJ Framework’s aim to decolonise the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to reflect critically on the purpose and history of legal rules that protect certain groups but leave others marginalised, and to consider alternative perspectives.

The module begins with a consideration of private nuisance (LO1 - LO3). This includes a study of who can be sued, and who can sue, the meaning of unreasonable interference with land, the potential defences, and the potential remedies available to claimants.

Thereafter, you will study the torts of trespass to the person: assault, battery and false imprisonment (LO1 –LO3). You will also study the tort of defamation (LO1 –LO3). This involves considering all the requirements for liability, such as the meaning of “defamatory”, defamation by innuendo, the meaning of “publication”, the requirement for “serious harm”, and the various defences available.

You will next consider the role of the economic torts in protecting trading interests, with particular emphasis on the tort of passing off (LO1 –LO3). Finally, there will be a study of the principle of vicarious liability (LO1 –LO3): the circumstances in which one person (usually an employer) can be liable in law for a tort committed by someone else (usually an employee).

Learning & Teaching Strategy

Weekly two-hour lecture and one-hour seminar.
The lecture will be used for:
• Dissemination of knowledge through an overview of each topic with detailed guidance on appropriate aspects;
• An introduction to relevant academic literature;
• Guidance on learning strategies;
• Use of WebLearn and IT resources;
• Whole group questions and discussion.
The seminar will be used for the development of skills necessary to attain the module learning outcomes through:
• Written and oral questions/answers designed to reinforce fundamental rules, principles and cases;
• A range of step-by-step analytical exercises;
• Problem solving;
• IT tasks, such as research of cases and statutes;
• Legal writing;
• Oral presentation;
• Oral communication;
• Teamwork.

Blended Learning
All learning materials, previous examination questions and sample Q/A’s will be on blackboard for use in directed private study.
Student engagement will be encouraged in both lectures and seminars through weekly use of WebLearn for access to all of the above materials.
There will be required use of the professional legal databases, especially Westlaw and Lexis Library, for legal research.

Opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Each weekly seminar will contain space for students to reflect on what they have learnt in relation to the overall syllabus. There will be frequent feedback opportunities structured into the timetable and a range of sample answers posted onto WebLearn.

Employability
Employability strategy will aim to acquaint students with a range of employment avenues both in the legal profession and in those professions into which legal qualifications and skills are transferable.

Student’s Study Responsibilities
The need for attendance, punctuality, preparation and engagement will be emphasised with particular reference to written and IT research, problem-solving, team-work, discussion, debate and critical awareness of the subject.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the torts of private nuisance, trespass, defamation and passing-off, and the principle of vicarious liability.
2. Demonstrate the ability critically to discuss case study problems relating to the topics covered in the syllabus.
3. Demonstrate the ability to write critical, discursive essays relating to the topics covered in the syllabus.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/D784140B-5EA4-F039-C7F2-03FA037B2E5F.html

CORE

Tort law, by Kirsty Horsey; Erika Rackley, 2023, 8th edition

Casebook on tort law, by Kirsty Horsey; Erika Rackley, 2024, 17th edition

ADDITIONAL

Clerk & Lindsell on torts, by J. F. Clerk; W. H. B. Lindsell, 2023, 24th edition

Winfield and Jolowicz on Tort, by JA Jolowicz, PH Winfield, and WVH Rogers 2025, 21st edition
DATABASES
Westlaw Edge UK
Lexis+ UK