Unit rationale, description and aim
This unit explores a core area of private law: Tort Law. The Law of Torts deals with a range of non-contractual civil wrongs, including negligence, trespass to land or chattels, and nuisance. Its principal focus is on the law of negligence., which includes the duty of care it imposes, breach of that duty, damage, causation, defences and remedies. The discussion will draw on both common law and statutory law, the latter of which has been increasingly important in the development of tort law in Australia.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe and critically evaluate the law relating ...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply the law to factual situations and have an un...
Learning Outcome 02
Compare and contrast Australian law with that in o...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- The nature of the Law of Torts and compensation schemes
- Negligence: duty of care, breach of duty of care, damage and causation
- Defences to Negligence
- Damages
- Trespass
- Nuisance
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy is designed to assess knowledge, skills and understanding in a specialist area of law required for accreditation.
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each of the learning outcomes listed.
To pass the unit, students must achieve at least 50% of the total marks, including all three assessment items.
Overview of assessments
Assignment 1: Communication and Engagement. Stu...
Assignment 1: Communication and Engagement.
Students are required to participate in a minimum of 8 out of 12 skills-based tutorials, in recognition that the development of skills in locating, referencing and analysing research materials is assisted by attendance and participation in weekly tutorials. A rubric will be utilised for this assessment.
20%
Assignment 2: Critical Analysis Students are re...
Assignment 2: Critical Analysis
Students are required to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate a topic or legal problem associated with the Law of Torts. This assessment may take the form of a research essay, a letter of advice, a presentation, or another appropriate evaluation. A rubric will be utilised for this assessment.
30%
Assessment 3: Final Examination This assessment ...
Assessment 3: Final Examination
This assessment recognises the need for developing skills to work through and provide a legal solution to a given legal problem within the time frame of the examination period. Exam will be completed online via Canvas.
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode: Lectures, tutorials, electronic consultation, library tasks and presentations or Online lectures and activities.
Duration: 4 hours per week over 12 weeks or equivalent. Students are expected to spend 150 hours in total for this unit.
This level two specified Law unit allows students to demonstrate knowledge, skills and understanding in a specialist area of law to meet the requirements of accreditation.
Our strategy is to encourage students to creatively engage with unit content and to apply fundamental legal knowledge, skills and understandings to address legal problems.
The unit is designed to be delivered in intensive, weekly or online mode. We have taken a multimodal learning approach to provide accessibility and flexibility to our students and a student-focused approach that increases depth of learning and engagement through actively utilising Canvas.