Common law torts relating to land.

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Certain torts at common law are specifically designed to protect interests in land and may be available where the tort of negligence is not. They are torts of strict liability (no lack of care needs to be proved). Furthermore, they can include where the only damage caused is to the claimant’s enjoyment of his land. On the other hand, however, these torts have particular limitations that negligence does not have.

This recording begins by introducing the different torts included in the lecture, identifying the broad circumstances in which each might apply. The purpose of this is to help a student to decide, in a given scenario, which actions are worth considering in more detail and which are not.

The recording considers each of the four torts in turn:

• trespass to land (in brief)
• private nuisance, which forms the major part of this recording.
• the rule in Rylands v Fletcher
• public nuisance. Although not a tort protecting land it is often relevant in similar circumstances.

Aspects of these torts discussed include:

• their elements / requirements
• defences
• remedies
• who is entitlement to sue
• the potential defendants

Note: the Occupiers Liability Acts are discussed in a separate recording – click here


Lecturer: Gianni Vuolo

Duration: 2 hours 10 minutes (approx)


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