Author Description

A careful mix of law, policy, ethics, and economics, Studies in American Tort Law is designed for first-year torts courses. Recognizing that torts is a prime battleground for social policy, this book seeks to reflect not only the current rules on injury compensation, but also the policy choices underlying those rules. Within a clear, doctrinal framework, a range of views is presented, reflecting dominant themes in tort law. Students are introduced to, but not overwhelmed with, law and economics. Economic analysis is employed when particularly useful (e.g., in connection with the negligence balancing test, strict liability, and calculation of damages). The law-and-economics notes can be used as a starting point for classroom discussion, or they can be allowed to stand on their own, without need for elaboration. The third edition includes: Comprehensive citations to the new Restatement, Third, of Torts The latest Supreme Court precedent on punitive damages Readable statutory excerpts reflecting new legislative developments Careful attention to ethical issues in the practice of law Hundreds of citations to new court decisions 17 new principal cases The third edition is completely up-to-date to 2005, including citations to hundreds of new decisions and a rich selection of materials reflecting the abundance of recent legislative changes to tort law. A comprehensive teacher’s manual updated for the third edition, Teaching Torts (3d ed.), is available. Mastering Torts: A Student’s Guide to the Law of Torts (3d ed.), a short narrative text which parallels the casebook, assists students to fully understand this area of law. A Power Point file containing nearly 200 transparencies corresponding to Studies in American Tort Law is available to adopting professors. To request the file, contact Vincent R. Johnson at vjohnson@stmarytx.edu.