Reconceptualising Strict Liability for the Tort of Another

Christine Beuermann is Lecturer in Law at the University of Newcastle.

• 1. IntroductionI. What is ‘Strict Liability for the Tort of Another’? II. Existing Terminology III. Existing Explanation(s) IV. A New Expositive Framework V. Limits of the Book VI. Methodology VII. Conclusion PART ICURRENT APPROACH2. Relationships which Give Rise to Strict Liability for the Tort of Another I. Employment Relationship II. Relationship between Adjoining Land Owners in Relation to Work Threatening Support or Common Walls III. Relationship between Hospital and Patient IV. School Relationship V. Relationship between Occupier and Invitee (Arguably) VI. Agency Relationship VII. Conclusion PART IIRECONCEPTUALISING THE LAW3. The Common Feature of Authority I. The Relationships II. The Distinguishing Feature of the Cases III. Why is Authority Significant? IV. A New Expositive Framework for Strict Liability for the Tort of Another 4. Conferred Authority Strict Liability I. Basis of the Strict Liability II. Nature of the Strict Liability III. In What Circumstances Does the Strict Liability Arise? IV. Scope of the Strict Liability V. To Whom is the Strict Liability Owed? VI. Other Relationships VII. Conclusion 5. Employee Strict Liability I. Basis of the Strict Liability II. Nature of the Strict Liability III. In What Circumstances Does the Strict Liability Arise? IV. Scope of the Strict Liability V. Who is an Employee? VI. The ‘Both Ways’ Test VII. Master’s Tort or Servant’s Tort VIII. Conclusion 6. Agent Strict Liability I. Who is an Agent? II. Basis of the Strict Liability III. Nature of the Strict Liability IV. In What Circumstances Does the Strict Liability Arise? V. Scope of the Strict Liability VI. Composite Torts VII. Solicitor’s Employee VIII. Contract or Tort? IX. Conclusion PART IIICRITIQUE7. The Boundaries between the Different Forms of Strict Liability for the Tort of Another I. Why Should the New Expositive Framework be Adopted? II. Making the Boundaries Clear III. Conclusion 8. Miscellaneous Categories of Strict Liability for the Tort of Another I. Partner Strict Liability II. Strict Liability for a Tort Committed by a Person upon whom Authority has been Conferred to Deal with a Bailor’s Goods III. Strict Liability for a Tort Committed by a Person Driving a Car for the Owner’s Purposes? IV. Conclusion 9. Conclusion I. The Importance of the Book II. Authority III. Normative UnderpinningsIV. Personal Liability v Strict Liability V. Where to from here?

In this superb book, Christine Beuermann reconceptualises the topic of strict liability in tort law in a way that is original and cohesive … this book is the most significant commentary on strict liability in tort law in decades; indeed, its masterful analysis and clarity of concepts makes it a significant work of private law theory, full stop. It deserves to be noticed; it deserves to be applied and adopted by the courts. It certainly ought to be read by all lawyers with an interest in tort law and who have struggled to come to grips with the law of vicarious liability and non-delegable duty.