Preface to the first edition

• Author: Philip H. Osborne
• Pages: 19-20

PREFACE

To the First Edition

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 practis-

ing 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, Pro-

fessor Alvin Esau. This allowed me to benefit from the fine work done

by my research assistant, James Mercury, who conscientiously and

cheerfully did much of the research for this book.

I am grateful to Professor Lee Stuesser and Professor John Irvine

for reading an early draft of this book and providing useful comments

and support. Thanks also to Professor Linda Vincent, who read a num-

xix