Revised 8/2023

LGL 215 - Torts (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies fundamental principles of the law of torts and may include preparation and use of pleadings and other documents involved in the trial of a civil action. Emphasizes intentional torts, negligence, personal injury, products liability, and malpractice cases. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To acquaint the students in the Paralegal Studies, Litigation specialization, with the law of torts, including personal and property torts and defenses.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Although there are no prerequisites for this course, proficiency (at the high school level) in spoken and written English is recommended for its successful completion.

Course Objectives

• Identify tort actions and their defenses;
• Recognize various pleadings used in certain tort actions; and
• Describe the defenses to a tort action.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Intentional torts and their defenses
• Negligence
  • Contributory negligence
  • Assumption of risk
  • Last clear chance
• Defamation of character
  • Slander
  • Libel
• Products liability
  • Negligence
  • Breach of warranty
  • Strict liability
• Medical malpractice
• Legal malpractice
• Miscellaneous tort doctrines and theories
  • Emergency doctrine
  • Good Samaritan statute
  • Slip and fall cases
  • Res ipsa locquitor
  • Workers' compensation