PRL 131 - Torts & Litigation I

1. Summarize sources of tort law
   1. Define Common Law
   2. Identify legislatively created torts
2. State elements and defenses of intentional torts
   1. Define assault
   2. Define battery
   3. Define intentional infliction of emotional distress
   4. Define trespass to realty
   5. Define trespass to personal property
   6. Define conversion
3. Explain elements of negligence and defenses
   1. Describe duty to act within standard of care
   2. Identify appropriate standard of care
   3. Describe breach of duty
   4. Define proximate cause
   5. Identify damages
   6. Describe comparative fault
   7. Define contributory negligence
   8. Define intervening cause
4. Apply Iowa comparative fault standard
   1. Analyze factual events
   2. Determine proximate cause
   3. Assess fault allocation
5. Define res ipsa loquitur
6. Draft a petition
   1. Select jurisdiction
   2. Select cause of action
   3. Describe events creating cause of action
   4. List elements of damages
7. Draft an answer
   1. Review jurisdiction
   2. Respond to factual allegations
   3. Prepare statement of defense
   4. State counterclaim or cross claim
8. Draft interrogatories
   1. Select appropriate definitions
   2. Identify required information
   3. List questions
9. Prepare answers to interrogatories
   1. Gather information
   2. Summarize client’s responses
10. Calculate damages
    1. Compile expenses incurred
    2. Estimate future costs
    3. Compute losses 
11. Analyze strict liability
    1. Identify applicable occurrences
    2. Identify the public policy protected
    3. Explain liability attached
    4. Calculate damages
12. Describe automobile negligence per se -
    1. Identify Iowa’s standard
    2. Define liability attached
13. Assess dram shop applicability
    1. Define dram shop liability
    2. Categorize defendants
    3. Demonstrate factual relationship
14. Recall limits to state tort immunity
    1. Define governmental immunity
    2. Identify source of limitations
    3. Describe events for which immunity is waived
15. Contrast municipality immunity with state
    1. Define municipality
    2. Identify source limiting municipality immunity
    3. Analyze parameters of liability
16. Categorize premises liability
    1. Classify acts resulting in liability
    2. Identify defenses
    3. Analyze foreseeability
    4. Predict applicability of doctrine