Preface to the first edition

• Author: Philip H. Osborne
• Profession: Faculty of Law. The University of Manitoba
• Pages: 19-20

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This book has been written primarily to assist students in Canadian law schools to understand the essential principles of the Canadian law of torts and the social policies that support them. It does not seek to categorize and organize the multitude of Canadian tort cases. It does not explore the subtleties of exceptional cases. It does not delve into fine distinctions among relevant provincial statutes. It explains the basic framework and nature of Canadian tort law from which a more advanced study of the law may proceed.

I am mindful of the fact that in most Canadian law schools the law of torts is a first-year course. I have, therefore, tried to make the law accessible to someone coming to the subject for the first time. I have also included an extensive glossary. A happy consequence of this is that the book may have some appeal to members of the public who seek some understanding of this fascinating corner of Canadian law. I also hope that the book will hold some interest for members of the practising bar, if only as a reminder of the basic principles underlying judicial policies and current trends.

My attempt to find the path of reliable generality through the thicket of tort cases and legislation has been assisted by the works of all the writers on Canadian tort law who have gone before me. I am indebted to them all.

I am most appreciative of the support I received from the Legal Research Institute of the University of Manitoba and its director, Professor Alvin Esau. This allowed me to benefit from the fine work done by

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my research assistant...