TORT LAW – ESSENTIAL CASE LIST (Exam‑Focused)
⭐ 1. Negligence Cases
Donoghue v Stevenson (1932)
Established the modern duty of care and the “neighbour principle.”
Caparo Industries v Dickman (1990)
Created the three‑part test for duty of care: foreseeability, proximity, fairness.
Bolam v Friern Hospital (1957)
Standard of care for professionals — the Bolam test.
Nettleship v Weston (1971)
Learners are held to the same standard as qualified drivers.
Barnett v Chelsea Hospital (1969)
Causation case — “but for” test clarified.
Wagon Mound (No. 1) (1961)
Damage must be reasonably foreseeable.
⭐ 2. Vicarious Liability Cases
Lister v Hesley Hall (2001)
Employer liable if the employee’s act is closely connected to their duties.
Mohamud v Morrison Supermarkets (2016)
Expanded “close connection” test for employee misconduct.
Various Claimants v Catholic Child Welfare Society (2012)
Dual vicarious liability possible.
⭐ 1. Negligence Cases
Donoghue v Stevenson (1932)
Established the modern duty of care and the “neighbour principle.”
Caparo Industries v Dickman (1990)
Created the three‑part test for duty of care: foreseeability, proximity, fairness.
Bolam v Friern Hospital (1957)
Standard of care for professionals — the Bolam test.
Nettleship v Weston (1971)
Learners are held to the same standard as qualified drivers.
Barnett v Chelsea Hospital (1969)
Causation case — “but for” test clarified.
Wagon Mound (No. 1) (1961)
Damage must be reasonably foreseeable.
⭐ 2. Vicarious Liability Cases
Lister v Hesley Hall (2001)
Employer liable if the employee’s act is closely connected to their duties.
Mohamud v Morrison Supermarkets (2016)
Expanded “close connection” test for employee misconduct.
Various Claimants v Catholic Child Welfare Society (2012)
Dual vicarious liability possible.
