Torts for Foreign Lawyers

This course introduces LL.M. students to the principles, concepts, and purposes of U.S. tort law—a key component of the law governing relations between private parties and a topic on the California and New York bar exams.  It examines doctrines governing negligence, strict liability, products liability, and intentional torts, as well as the common-law methods of adjudicating tort claims.  Issues arising from personal injury, damage to property, and economic harm will be examined and the tort liability of both individuals and entities will be addressed.  In addition to studying specific doctrines, the course will examine the competing social values implicated by tort law.