The course will approach advanced issues in private law comparatively and thus builds on existing knowledge of civil law. Selected areas of liability law – product liability, vicarious liability, negotiorum gestio, and the English tort of conversion – will be discussed in regards to their significance for the boundary lines and understanding of the various areas of liability law and private law generally. Comparative references will draw primarily on English and German law.

With successful completion of the course, students should be in a position to tackle civil law issue comparatively and independently apply the results of comparative analysis to their own legal system. Students should also acquire elements of advanced knowledge in civil law, as well as parallel knowledge of German and English law.

Full attendance is obviously recommended, but participants can miss a maximum of one session if absolutely necessary

Students will be informed in advance of the course which areas of Austrian law will be dealt with in the course, such that they can prepare for discussion of these areas accordingly. During the course sessions, information of the other legal systems concerned will be provided in order that the students and lecturer can then come to comparative conclusions together through general and case-specific discussions. The students will thereby also come to recognise the significance of these results for their own system.

The grade for the course will be formed from the result of a participation score (10%), a mid-course exam (20%), and a final exam (70%). For a passing grade, a minimum score of 50% is required.

The course is offered in English – competence in English is thus essential.