Using Comparative Torts Materials to Teach First-Year Torts

Abstract:     
This article is based on a presentation at the Workshop on Integrating Transnational Legal Perspectives into the First Year Curriculum at the AALS Annual Meeting in 2006. I argue that comparative torts materials can be used to teach tort concepts central to a first year torts class. To be sure, while I an advocate of comparative tort law as a subject of intrinsic interest and importance, this article is about using comparative tort materials to help students learn the law of their own jurisdiction. After offering a theoretical defense of this position, I offer two examples based on German cases involving non-economic damages.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 18

Keywords: class materials, torts, comparative law

Accepted Paper Series