Since 2002 in all Australian jurisdictions legislative reform has transformed the law of torts. It is no longer a body of unified common law but is an area governed by a diverse array of non-uniform statutes in each Australian jurisdiction. Now in its second edition Australian Principles of Tort Law provides both currency and depth of analysis to the ongoing legal issues in relation to tort law reform legislation as the courts throughout Australia interpret and apply the challenging new legislative provisions. The recent cases on the legislation are fascinating and often intricate as judicial reasoning is applied to create an evolving area of law based increasingly upon personal responsibility. Australian Principles of Tort Law makes this complex area of law accessible to students new to the field and provides commentary and analysis useful to those seeking ongoing engagement and understanding in the area of tort law.

Summary Table of Contents

Introduction to the law of torts,
The nature of intentional torts,
Intentional torts to the person,
Actions on the case for physical injuries or nervous shock,
Trespass to land,
Intentional torts relating to goods,
Defences to intentional torts,
Introduction to negligence and duty of care,
Breach of duty,
Scope of liability (i) Causation,
Scope of liability (ii) Remoteness of damage,
Proof,
Defences to negligence: contributory negligence, voluntary assumption of risk and statutory defences,
The Framework of the NSW Civil Liability Act 2002,
Personal liability of criminals, volunteers, good samaritans and apologists,
Atypical plaintiffs and specific duty issues,
Negligently caused pure economic loss,
Liability of statutory authorities,
Breach of statutory duty,
Vicarious liability and non-delegable duties,
Nuisance, Remedies, Death, Contribution among Tortfeasors