Hybrid Torts and Contemporary Tort Theory

Murphy, John Roger (2018) Hybrid Torts and Contemporary Tort Theory. McGill Law Journal, 64 (1). pp. 1-42. ISSN 0024-9041

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Abstract

This article examines the problem of fit caused by ‘hybrid torts’ for several contemporary, explanatory theories of tort law: those belonging to Ernest Weinrib, Robert Stevens, and John Goldberg and Benjamin Zipursky. The term hybrid tort is intended to capture a cause of action that is treated routinely by practitioners, judges and doctrinal jurists alike as a tort proper (even though its ingredients suggest that it is only part-tort and part something-else (like, for example, equity)). The central argument of the article is as follows. At tort law’s borders with other legal categories, there exists a range of hybrid actions that are widely acknowledged to be torts but which comprise a range of juridical components some of which are typical within tort law, and some of which are typical of some other legal category. This set of hybrid actions suggests that – whatever theoretical neatness might dictate – tort law’s boundaries are fuzzy and porous, not clearly defined and rigid. This fuzziness in the object of theorisation naturally casts doubt on the apple-pie neatness of the theories in view. In addition, the obvious response – that these juridically mixed causes of action are not proper torts (and therefore do not require explanation) – is shown to be unavailable the theorists whose work is examined given that each of them commits to explaining the law as it presents itself. Put differently: since the law as it presents itself clearly treats these hybrid actions as torts, they cannot be dismissed in this way. Nor, it is argued – for a combination of reasons that establish their practical significance – can these hybrid torts be dismissed as irrelevant.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
McGill Law Journal
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2700
Subjects:
?? general medicinemedicine(all) ??
ID Code:
128546
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
24 Oct 2018 14:06
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
16 Jul 2024 10:51