The European Group on Tort Law aims for the formulation of common European principles on tort law. Towards that end they have undertaken a comparative examination of tort law in Europe and elsewhere. This is the eighth volume to result from their researches, concentrating on the issue of "contributory negligence." The legal principles of contributo
The European Group on Tort Law presents the results of its extensive research project, the Principles of European Tort Law. They were drafted on the basis of several comparative studies on the most fundamental questions of tortious liability and the law of damages. The Principles are not a mere restatement of the common core of tort law in Europe, but rather a proposal for a comprehensive system of tortious liability for the future, though necessarily linked to existing regimes. They are meant to stimulate discussion both among academics and practitioners and could serve as guidelines for national legislatures, thereby fostering gradual harmonization. The text of the Principles, which is offered in English and several other languages, is accompanied by commentaries on the various parts elaborating their intended meaning and interplay.
The foundations of tort law in European legal systems differ considerably. A group of tort law experts, the "European Group on Tort Law", systematically researches the most fundamental questions underlying the various tort law systems. Their work is contained in this series of books, which seeks a common law of Europe without the need to lay these principles down in formal legal texts, such as a European civil code.
Chapter 8. Remedies, Part 1: As If It Had Never Happened -- Chapter 9. Remedies, Part 2: Before a Court -- Chapter 10. Conclusion: Horizontal and Vertical -- Index
The foundations of tort law in various European legal systems differ considerably. Until now, there has not been an attempt to harmonise the entire field of tort law in a consistent manner. To rectify this, a group of tort lawyers has proposed to address the fundamental questions underlying every tort law system. The result is this important series of books, which searches for a common law of Europe without the necessity yet to lay these principles down in formal legal texts, such as a European civil code. Identifying the most relevant factors in establishing liability as wrongfulness, causation, damage, fault, and the area of strict liability, the authors concentrate on the tort liability factor under discussion in each volume, combining theoretical abstract analysis with the discussion of concrete cases. Each author gives an overview of the particular tort liability factor under his or her national legal system--primarily by working out the concept and its importance in establishing liability--and then applies the analysis to actual cases. The subsequent conclusions aim at the coordination of the results and other important factors. In summary, each volume tries to make clear what common ground pertaining to each tort liability factor underlies all the legal systems concerned with respect to the law of tort. Each volume also provides the academic and practitioner with the fundamental issues relating to that factor underlying the law of tort in the countries covered.
This book seeks to produce answers to the basic questions of tort law in Europe from a comparative perspective. It is intended to provide a basis for comprehensive responses by representatives of other European legal families and jurisdictions outside Europe on the fundamental ideas in this book. The book gives an extensive introduction to the delictual and contractual law of liability and damages. Above all, the position of the law of tort within the overall system for the protection of legal goods is examined. The focus is on particularly controversial issues and new approaches. Not only is the relationship between breaches of obligations and torts examined, the basic requirements for a claim under tort law"damage and causation"are discussed. An extensive section is devoted to the elements of establishing liability and the question of liability on the side of the victim, (contributory responsibility) is looked at anew. A final section is devoted to the prescription of compensation claims.
This volume explores how differences between tort and contract affect the foundations of liability, the nature and amount of the compensation, the extent of liability and whether defences and limitation periods corresponding to the distinct causes of action give rise to substantially different outcomes.