Torts: The Laws of Australia, 3rd Edition

Torts – The Laws of Australia Third Edition is a comprehensive and highly accessible introduction to the law of torts. It gathers experts in the field to provide a thorough and informed analysis of the key principles, grouped into topics including:

• interactions of tort and contract law;
• negligence;
• occupiers’ liability;
• product liability;
• breach of statutory duty;
• strict liability;
• nuisance;
• trespass and intentional torts;
• defences;
• damages; and
• concurrent torts.

This third edition explores the impact of common law reform in the area of torts in the last ten years, including pivotal cases such as Brookfield Multiplex Ltd v Owners Corp Strata Plan 61288 [2014] HCA 36 and changes to the law of occupiers’ liability under Strong v Woolworths Ltd [2012] HCA 5. It also covers changes to breach of statutory duty, as reformed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).

The material in this book is also published as Title 33 “Torts” of The Laws of Australia legal encyclopaedia and retains its easy-to-read style.  Each paragraph opens with a proposition that encapsulates the relevant legal principle, followed by text analysing complexities, nuances and developments in the law.

This work provides an excellent introduction to tort law and is the ideal launching point for further research.

Torts – The Laws of Australia Third Edition is produced under the editorial guidance of Dr Paul Vout, Barrister at the Victorian Bar and former associate to the Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG. Dr Vout is also the editor and co-author of Unconscionable Conduct – The Laws of Australia and has reported decisions of the High Court of Australia for the Commonwealth Law Reports since 2002.