Overview

This unit enables students, through the study of cases, statutes and other materials, to acquire a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of, and competence in, analysing a range of non-contractual civil wrongs. Its principal focus is on the law of negligence, including the duty it imposes, breach of that duty, kinds of loss, defences and remedies. The unit also introduces students to loss distribution mechanisms and to statutory compensation schemes in operation in Australia.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025
Teaching Period 1
Location
Online
Start and end dates
10-March-2025
08-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
23-March-2025
Census date
04-April-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-May-2025
Results released date
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
03-November-2025
08-February-2026
Last self-enrolment date
16-November-2025
Census date
28-November-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-January-2026
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Identify the core principles of the tort of negligence
  • Demonstrate an ability to develop a sustained legal argument both orally and in writing in a logical and effective manner
  • Locate and apply relevant case law and legislative provisions to solve factual legal problems relating to the law of torts
  • Analyse court judgments that deal with tortious causes of action

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Class		3.00 12 weeks 36
Online
Lecture		1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Various		8.50 12 weeks 102
TOTAL150

Swinburne Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning		11.50 12 weeks 138
Live Online
Class		1.00 12 weeks 12
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
ExaminationIndividual 50 - 70% 1,2,3,4 
Research AssignmentIndividual 30 - 50% 1,2,3,4 

Content

  • General principles of the law of torts
  • Negligence
  • Vicarious liability
  • Breach of statutory duty
  • Loss and harm
  • Defences
  • Remedies

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.