Multiple Defendants

This lesson deals with the rules governing the liability of multiple defendants in torts cases. It begins by examining joint and several liability and the rules governing contribution between tortfeasors, then moves on to consider why the majority of states has now modified the rules of joint and several liability. It also contrasts the different results produced by joint and several liability on the one hand and several liability on the other in cases involving insolvent defendants and settling defendants.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Discuss the rules governing the liability of multiple defendants in torts cases.
2. Examine the issues of joint and several liability and the rules governing contribution between tortfeasors.
3. Analyze how liability is allocated among multiple tortfeasors.