Course Information

8218 - Products Liability

Professor: Kathy Seward Northern
Semester: 2012 Autumn

Second Writing Requirement? No
Seminar? No
Professional Responsibility? No
Prerequisites: None
Means of Assessment: Exam, In-class exercises,Skills Exercise

Course Description

In the modern world, people accomplish both individual and collective objectives through the products of technology. Our modes of transportation, narrowly tailored medical treatment, manufacturing, entertainment, nourishment, and the control and maintenance of our individual and collective surroundings all involve the use of products that have the potential for great benefit and, on occasion, great harm. “Products liability law addresses the consequences of modern science and technology gone awry – when products, or the interactions between people and their products, fail.” David Owens.

In this course we will examine the historical development of modern products liability law, the impact that product liability law has had with regard to consumer safety, patterns of litigation, and the call for tort reform. The course will focus upon the four primary theories of recovery in products liability law: informational defect, marketing defect, manufacturing defect, and design defect. In so doing, we will consider the basic doctrines of intent, negligence, and strict liability, and contracts based doctrines of express and implied warranty.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.