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Advanced Torts (LAWS50130)
Graduate coursework level 5Points: 12.5Online
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: law-aso@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 6190
Website: law.unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability(Quotas apply) | Semester 1 - Online |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores a core area of private law, being the law of torts. It aims to broaden and deepen students' knowledge and understanding of the law of torts in three ways. First, it looks at a range of topics that are not usually covered, at least not in any detail, in the compulsory subjects. Second, the subject examines broader theoretical debates as to the nature and function of tort law, and how particular torts figure in these debates. Third, it examines case law related to these topics from other common law jurisdictions in addition to Australian materials.
Topics may vary from year to year but will include some of the following:
- theoretical accounts of tort law;
- the structure of tort law;
- economic torts;
- defamation;
- breach of privacy;
- breach of statutory duty;
- misfeasance in public office and malicious prosecution;
- trespass to goods and conversion; false imprisonment
- deceit;
- vicarious liability and non-delegable duty;
- damages and other remedies for torts;
- alternative compensation systems;
- comparative perspectives on tort law; and
- contentious and emerging issues in the law of torts.
This subject is run on a seminar-style and interactive basis. The lecturer will introduce and contextualise the issues; but students are expected to have done the reading beforehand and to come prepared to contribute to class discussion. Students in this subject should not expect to be taught the law from the front.
Intended learning outcomes
A student who has successfully completed this subject will have an advanced (in both depth and breadth), integrated and critical understanding of the law of torts. A student will therefore be able to:
- critically analyse and evaluate various tort doctrines from a range of theoretical perspectives which seek to explain the subject;
- display an advanced knowledge of some classical and contemporary debates and issues in tort law theory;
- in a self-directed way, research, develop, and express opinions (in written form) about tort law (that is, its rules, principles, doctrines and remedies) from a theoretical perspective, incorporating appropriate citation practices; and
- compare the tort law of Australia to that of other common law jurisdictions, understanding the similarities and differences between them.
Generic skills
A student who has successfully completed the subject will demonstrate a high-level ability to:
- identify, locate, reflect critically on and evaluate relevant research materials (including cases, statutes, and theoretical writings) from multiple common law jurisdictions;
- formulate, develop, manage and realise, from inception to completion, a sustained research essay engaging with the theoretical literature as well as with legal rules, principles, doctrines and/or remedies from multiple common law jurisdictions; and
- express, in written form, reflections and arguments touching on topics explored in this subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS50023 | Legal Method and Reasoning | Summer Term (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50024 | Principles of Public Law | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50025 | Torts | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50026 | Obligations | Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
LAWS50031 | Legal Theory |
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
November (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
AND
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
LAWS50027 | Dispute Resolution | Not available in 2024 |
12.5 |
LAWS90140 | Disputes and Ethics | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Independent research essay on a topic approved by the Subject Coordinator
| 100% |
Additional details
The due date of the above assessment will be available to students via the Assessment Schedule on the LMS Community.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
- Semester 1 - Online
Principal coordinator Eric Descheemaeker Mode of delivery Online Contact hours 36 hours Total time commitment 144 hours Teaching period 1 March 2021 to 30 May 2021 Last self-enrol date 12 March 2021 Census date 31 March 2021 Last date to withdraw without fail 7 May 2021 Assessment period ends 25 June 2021 Semester 1 contact information
Email: law-aso@unimelb.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 8344 6190
Website: law.unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
144 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject has an enrolment quota of 60 students.
All timely JD elective nominations are subject to a selection process, which the Academic Support Office will perform after the timely re-enrolment period ends.
Please refer to the Melbourne Law School website for further information about the management of subject quotas.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Cases, books, journal articles and other materials, which will be available via the resources of the Law Library (including the online resources).
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Juris Doctor - Links to additional information
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022