This textbook provides an accessible introduction covering the basic principles of the law of torts as well as directing the reader towards the complexities of the subject and its relationship with society. This new edition has been updated to reflect the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998, including analysis of the first cases brought under the Act and relevant decisions by the European Court of Human Rights. It also covers recent developments in the tort of negligence, the law of vicarious liability and the law relating to the calculation of damages. Recent developments in the law of defamation and privacy have highlighted the clash between the freedom of the press and the rights to reputation and privacy. This issue is examined in this new edition, including analysis of the House of Lords decisions in Reynolds versus Times Newspapers Ltd and Douglas versus Hello! Ltd. Also covered is the statutory reform of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, with analysis of recent cases considering the Act's effect.