LAWS 2320 - Torts

4.5 Credits

Students examine the principles of tort law and public policy considerations inherent in tort law and practice. Topics include intentional torts, negligence, strict liability, products liability, defamation and other torts, legal defenses, remedies, and liabilities. Students learn the essential elements of tort law and personal injury litigation to prepare documents and correspondence used in practice. Students demonstrate an attitude of professionalism and compliance with ethics and law throughout the course.

Prerequisites: (2) LAWS 1101 and LAWS 1230

Recommended: LAWS 1110

Lecture Hours: 4.5
Lab Hours: 0.0
Internship Hours: 0.0
Clinical or Practicum Hours: 0.0

Course Objectives

Locate, describe, and analyze federal and state sources of tort law and personal injury litigation.
Explain the major principles and inherent public policy objectives of tort law and personal injury litigation.
Identify and describe the essential elements of intentional torts, negligence, and strict liability, as well as the types of damages, remedies, defenses, and liability to each of these torts.
Use correct legal terminology relating to tort and personal injury litigation.
Distinguish intentional torts against the person from intentional torts against property and commercial interests, and torts against reputation.
Explain strict liability theory regarding animals, certain activities, and as a product liability theory.
Perform basic tasks a paralegal performs in a tort law and personal injury environment, including preparation of documents and correspondence during the initial intake to post-trial matters.
Demonstrate an attitude of professionalism required of paralegals in the legal environment.

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