General Concepts of Damages in Torts

This lesson introduces the student to the structure, function, and terminology of the law of damages in the context of torts cases. It deals with the concept of general and special damages and presents questions that help students distinguish the two categories. Problems of measurement of damages are introduced, and nominal damages are briefly considered.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the structure, function, and terminology of the law of damages in torts cases.
2. Define general damages.
3. Define special damages.
4. Define nominal damages.
5. Distinguish the concepts of general, special and nominal damages.
6. Analyze the problems of measurement of damages.