Foundations of Civil Obligations

RATIONALE

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an overview of the two key legal civil obligations, namely contract law and tort law under common law. More specifically, the module will explore the most fundamental principles, policies and practical applications of contract law and tort law.
Students will acquire a fundamental understanding of the formation and regulation of contractual obligations, the use of legal principles and concepts to identify and resolve legal problems, and the functions of contracts in society and economy. Moreover, students will be able to develop critical insights into tortious liability and debates that have emerged in the judicial and academic literature. Students will also learn legal research skills and how to apply legal principles to practical situations from a range of material and resources.

AIMS

The overarching aims of the module are as follows:

1.    Identify and analyze theoretical perspectives in civil obligations.
2.    Understand the concepts, principles, and policy considerations involved in contract law.
3.    Critically examine the elements of the formation of a contract.
4.    A review of tort law concepts (duty, harm and compensation) principles and policy considerations 
5.    Analyze the facts and apply substantive legal principles to tort cases.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

1.    Understand the legal framework of civil obligations 
2.    Differentiate between tort law and contract law
3.    Develop a fundamental understanding of how contractual obligations are formed and regulated
4.    Introduce tort law concepts and principles
5.    Become familiar with the way legal principles and concepts are used to identify and resolve legal problems