Fault and strict liability

Abstract

Abstract This chapter shows that fault liability based in the injurer's negligence is not ordinarily defeasible by an excuse. In that sense, both fault and strict liability in torts are forms of strict liability. Strict liability in torts differs from fault liability in that an injurer can defeat liability neither by excuse nor justification. Fault liability is really the rule that victims are strictly liable for their losses unless the injurer is at fault. Strict (injurer) liability is really the rule that injurers are strictly liable for the losses their conduct occasions unless the victim is at fault. Thus, fault and strict liability are mirror-images of one another.