1L Torts Law

A civil wrong, which does not arise from a contract, for which the law provides a remedy.

Byproduct of states; thus 50 different state tort systems

a) Intentional Torts

b) Negligence—Conduct creates an unreasonable risk of causing harm

c) Strict Liability—Conduct neither intentional nor negligent but subjected to SL b/c of public policy

a) Nominal damages-- recognize the plaintiff had a legal right violated

b) Compensatory (actual) damages-- goal of making the plaintiff whole (i.e. lost wages, medical expenses)

c) Punitive damages-- soley to punish the defendant