PART 1 - INTRODUCTION

Abstract

This chapter presents the laws of torts. Those wrongs that give rise to a civil cause of action may be divided into four categories which are as follows: (1) claims in contract, (2) claims in quasi-contract, (3) breach of trust, and (4) torts. The purpose of the law of torts is to compensate the victim. The law seeks to put a money value upon his loss, and by an award of damages of that amount to put the victim back in the same economic position that he would have been in if the tort had never been committed. The court even has to value such injuries as loss of life, physical injuries, or loss of consortium in terms of money. In tort the plaintiff claims compensation, but leaves the amount to be assessed by the court. In other civil actions he often claims a specific sum of money. An action for damages is not the only remedy available, but it is one of the hallmarks of a tort. The origins of the law of torts are diverse, but this is a changing, and developing branch of the law. Those causes of action that comprise this residual category are rapidly acquiring some common basis.