1L Torts Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Starting torts as a 1L can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down what to expect, the topics you will cover, and how to prepare for exams.
What to Expect
Torts is one of the foundational 1L courses. You will learn through the case method — reading appellate court opinions and extracting legal rules through class discussion. Expect to be cold-called and asked to explain the facts, holding, and reasoning of assigned cases.
Your grade will likely depend on a single final exam, typically a 3-4 hour essay exam that presents fact patterns requiring you to identify issues, state the relevant rules, apply them to the facts, and reach a conclusion (IRAC method).
Topics You Will Cover
●Intentional Torts
●Negligence
●Strict Liability
●Products Liability
●Defamation
●Privacy Torts
●Vicarious Liability
Key Cases to Know
Exam Strategies
- 1Start every negligence question by establishing duty — who owed what to whom.
- 2Always discuss both actual cause (but-for) and proximate cause (foreseeability).
- 3Compare contributory negligence, comparative negligence (pure vs. modified), and assumption of risk.
- 4Products liability can be analyzed under negligence, strict liability, or warranty — discuss all three if applicable.