LGL102 - Contracts and Torts

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-10-02 01:13:20.677
Last review date 2023-10-19 15:00:38.507

Subject Title
Contracts and Torts

Subject Description
This subject introduces the students to two basic areas of the law, namely contracts and torts. Contracts form the foundation of commerce in today's complex society. In this segment of the subject the student learns what a contract is, when it is valid, how it may end, how a party deals with breach of contract, and the role of the courts in enforcing contracts and awarding damages for their breach. In the segment dealing with torts, the student learns about various aspects of tort law, with a particular focus on negligence, liability without fault, tort damages and common statutory torts.



Credit Status
This is a credit course applicable to the Law Clerk and Justice Administration Services Diploma Programs offered through the School of Legal, Public and Office Administration, and Paralegal Certificate program offered through the Faculty of Continuing Education and Training.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:



1. For the contracts segment of this subject, explain and analyze:

  • the nature of a contract and its use and value in society
  • the elements of a valid contract (e.g., intention, offer, acceptance, consideration, legality, form)
  • the formal requirements necessary to create a valid contract
  • conditions, warranties and implied terms
  • privity of contract and assignment of contract rights
  • contractual defects (e.g., mistake,misrepresentation, undue influence, duress)
  • methods of discharging a contract
  • methods of breaching a contract
  • remedies for breach of contract

2. For the torts segment of this subject,

a)  explain and analyze the following concepts related to tort law:
  • intentional torts and defences
  • negligence law and defences
  • occupier's liability law and defences
  • strict liability law and defences
  • vicarious liability law and defences
  • remedies in tort law
  • determination of damages
  • the different levels of guilty mentality in the commission of a tortious act

b) develop the ability to apply the law to fact situations related to specific intentional torts, negligence and occupiers' liability, and the defences to these.

3. Interpret the provisions of the Limitations Act and relevant case law.

4. Display an attitude of professionalism, as evidenced by an ability to meet deadlines, complete assignments and perform tests and in-class assignments as scheduled.



Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.