Este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar a culpa como critério para majoração da indenização em casos de danos decorrentes de condutas altamente reprováveis do ponto de vista ético-jurídico. O tema é apresentado no âmbito da crise paradigmática vivida pela responsabilidade civil nos dias atuais: a responsabilidade civil afasta-se do paradigma da reparação para se aproximar do paradigma da prevenção de danos. Diante desse contexto, propõe-se a retomada da culpa, não mais como pressuposto da responsabilidade civil, mas agora no papel de critério para a quantificação da indenização. Para demonstrar a utilidade e viabilidade desta proposta, o trabalho segue três caminhos. Inicialmente, analisa-se o instituto dos punitive damages, à luz, principalmente, do direito norte-americano. Entende-se que o referido instituto representa uma experiência bem sucedida do uso da culpa como instrumento de prevenção de danos e dissuasão de condutas reprováveis. Em segundo lugar, recorre-se à literatura estrangeira para promover uma detalhada análise econômica dos punitive damages, com o intuito de demonstrar a eficácia e utilidade do instituto. Por fim, examina-se a viabilidade e adequação de uma possível indenização punitiva diante do atual sistema de responsabilidade civil brasileiro. Neste ponto, busca-se identificar o fundamento legal da indenização punitiva, analisando se este novo instituto resiste às críticas que o acusam de ilegalidade. Superado o ceticismo com relação ao instituto, avaliamos os possíveis critérios, objetivos e subjetivos, para a quantificação da indenização punitiva, dando destaque, evidentemente, para o papel ocupado, nesse processo, pela culpa. / This study aims to analyze fault as a factor to increase the amount of damages in cases of highly reprehensible misconducts, from a legal-ethical standpoint. The topic is presented under the paradigmatic crisis currently experienced by tort law: as tort law moves away from the paradigm of compensation it approaches the paradigm of prevention of damages. Given this context, we propose the return of fault, no longer as a requirement of liability, but now in the role of a factor for the assessment of the amount of damages. To demonstrate the utility and feasibility of this proposal, the study follows three paths. Initially, we analyze the remedy of punitive damages, mainly based on U.S. law. We understand that punitive damages represent a successful experience of using fault as a tool to prevent damages and deter reprehensible misconducts. Secondly, we resort to foreign literature to carry out a detailed economic analysis of punitive damages, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness and usefulness of the remedy. Finally, we examine the feasibility and suitability of punitive damages under the current Brazilian tort law. At this point, we attempt to identify the legal basis for punitive damages, analyzing whether this new remedy would resist the criticisms that accuses it of illegality. Once skepticism regarding the remedy is overcome, we go on to evaluate potential objective and subjective factors for the assessment of the amount of punitive damages, stressing, of course, the role played, in this process, by fault.

A presente dissertação trata de situações nas quais o prejuízo decorre de conduta praticada por parcela de indivíduos integrantes de agrupamento, sem que seja possível identificá-los. No âmbito do nexo causal, essa hipótese se traduz no conceito de causalidade alternativa, e a maior controvérsia relacionada ao tema é definir se, e em quais circunstâncias, há responsabilidade solidária de todos os integrantes do agrupamento. Para analisar essas questões, o presente trabalho apresenta capítulo introdutório, cujo foco recai sobre as diversas doutrinas desenvolvidas a respeito da causalidade. O espoco desse exame é analisar como essas teorias descrevem o fenômeno entre causa e efeito e, ainda, como os doutrinadores e a jurisprudência lidam com elas ao se defrontar com situações envolvendo diversas causas potenciais relacionadas a determinado evento. Tendo a parte introdutória como base, a dissertação analisa especificamente a causalidade alternativa sob perspectiva histórica, tecendo considerações sobre o desenvolvimento do conceito ao longo do tempo. A dissertação ingressa, então, na análise da causalidade alternativa em diversas jurisdições. O propósito dessa parte do trabalho é examinar as diferentes perspectivas adotadas por doutrinadores e cortes estrangeiras em relação a cenários envolvendo danos cometidos por grupos de diversos indivíduos, sem que seja possível identificar o verdadeiro ofensor. A parte final da dissertação trata especificamente do fenômeno da causalidade alternativa no direito brasileiro. O trabalho analisa essa matéria examinando algumas decisões relevantes dos tribunais, juntamente com opiniões de doutrinadores relacionadas ao tema. Também há o contraste das diversas teorias desenvolvidas para explicar a solidariedade dos integrantes do grupo com o regime jurídico estabelecido no Código Civil brasileiro, enfatizando-se as potenciais deficiências de cada doutrina. A partir dessa análise, e das principais conclusões decorrentes da pesquisa desenvolvida nos demais capítulos, a parte final da dissertação propõe (i) uma explicação que justifica a solidariedade dos indivíduos que integram um grupo; e (ii) os critérios para definir as circunstâncias nas quais essa espécie de responsabilidade se aplica. O trabalho propõe, ainda, a alteração no Código Civil brasileiro, com a inclusão de normas específicas acerca da causalidade alternativa. / This thesis approaches situations wherein damage arises from conducts incurred by one or several individuals that compose a group, being altogether impossible to identify the actual torfeasors. In terms of causation, this situation is usually known as alternative causation, and the main controversy arising from such scenario is whether and under which circumstances all members of the group should be held liable for damages. In order to analyze these issues, the present work brings an introductory chapter, which focuses on the several theories developed with respect to the concept of causation. This aims at verifying how such doctrines describe the cause-and-effect phenomenon, and the way scholar and courts handle with these doctrines whereas facing situations involving several causes potentially related to a certain outcome. Having the first part as a conceptual background, the dissertation specifically approaches the alternative causation under a historical perspective, particularly concerning the development of such concept throughout relevant moments of history. The dissertation then moves to the analysis of the concept of alternative causation in several jurisdictions. The purpose of that part of the work is to verify the different perspectives adopted by foreign scholars and courts as to the scenarios involving damages performed by members of a group, wherein it is altogether impossible to identify the actual tortfeasors. The final part of the dissertation deals particularly with the phenomenon of alternative causation under Brazilian law. The work approaches this subject by examining some relevant court decisions and opinion of scholars related to the issue. It also contrasts the several doctrines developed to explain the joint liability of the members of the group with the legal regime established by the Brazilian Civil Code, stressing the flaws applicable to each of them. Relying upon this analysis, and on main elements arising from the analysis carried out in the previous chapters, the final part of the dissertation proposes (i) an explanation to justify the joint liability applicable to individuals that compose a group of potential tortfeasors; and (ii) the criteria to define the circumstances wherein this sort of liability prevails. It also proposes the amendment of the Brazilian Civil Code, in order to include specific regulation regarding alternative causation.

A presente tese propõe um estudo teórico dos perfis estrutural e funcional da culpa a partir do novo marco normativo introduzido no direito brasileiro pelo parágrafo único, do artigo 944 do Código Civil. Por meio de uma análise da disciplina normativa da culpa na seara da responsabilidade civil extracontratual, demonstra-se, neste trabalho que, a despeito do incremento das hipóteses de responsabilidade objetiva, a culpa ainda detém papel relevante no Direito Civil brasileiro. Além de atuar como fator de surgimento do dever de indenizar, a culpa também desempenha hoje a importante função de critério para fixação do valor da indenização. Os estudos realizados comprovam que esses diferentes papéis da culpa lhe imprimem contornos normativos distintos, não sendo mais possível hoje a adoção de uma teoria unitária para a descrição desse instituto jurídico. Ao contrário de seu perfil na esfera das regras de imputação de responsabilidade, onde é apreciada de forma abstrata e objetiva, no plano em que atua como critério de definição da extensão da indenização, a culpa assume feições concretas e pessoais. O estudo foi realizado mediante pesquisa bibliográfica, que compreendeu levantamento de doutrina, jurisprudência e legislação pertinentes. / This thesis aims to conduct a technical study of the structural and functional profiles of negligence based on the new regulatory framework introduced into Brazilian Law by the sole paragraph of Article 944 of the Civil Code. By examining the regulations regarding negligence in the field of torts, it is shown in this paper that, notwithstanding the rise in the number strict liability cases, negligence still plays a major role in Brazilian civil law. Besides serving as a factor for creation of the obligation to pay indemnity, negligence also presently has the important function of being a criterion for setting the amount of the indemnity. The studies conducted prove that these different roles of negligence provide them with distinct regulatory profiles, such that it is no longer possible these days to adopt a unitary theory for description of this legal institute in Brazil. Contrary to its profile in the sphere of rules for imputing liability, where it is considered in an abstract and objective manner, on the plane on which it serves as a criterion for defining the extent of damages, negligence takes on concrete and personal features. This study has been carried out on the basis of bibliographic research that encompassed surveys of applicable legal doctrine, case law development and legislation.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Univ., Diss.--Zugl.: Orléans, 2005.

published_or_final_version / Community Medicine / Master / Master of Public Health

To compete effectively in the global economy, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations [hereinafter ASEAN] needs supranational legal infrastructure that facilitates international business transactions. As such, this thesis examines choice of law issues in contract and tort in Canada, Louisiana, the Second Restatement on Conflict of Laws 1969, the United Kingdom, the Rome Convention on the Law Applicable to Contractual Obligations 1980, and Singapore. Using a proposed Model Law on contract and tort choice of law in ASEAN, this thesis will demonstrate that despite differences in the existing choice of law rules, a uniform regime may nevertheless be formulated without significant compromises. On the broader level, this thesis proposes a uniform conflict of laws regime in ASEAN. Using the analogy of contract and tort choice of law, this thesis argues that divergences may be reconciled and a uniform regime forged. It is desired that this thesis will contribute towards the uniformizing of conflict of laws in ASEAN.

According to legislation, common law and case law, South African educators have a responsibility to ensure the safety of learners. Above all, God has placed children in our care and it is our God-given duty to take care of them. For educators to be able to perform this duty of care as it should be, they need to be equipped with the necessary legal knowledge. However, the acquisition of this knowledge remains the primary responsibility of each educator. Other educational role-players also have some moral obligation and responsibility to assist educators in attaining such knowledge. As educators should acquaint themselves with the relevant legislation regarding duty of care, such legislation should be accessible to all educators. Principals should encourage educators to become acquainted with the content of the relevant education laws. All the determinants regarding duty of care ought to be general knowledge to educators. Principles such as what torts comprise of, the requirements of delictual accountability, reasonable foreseeability and preventability and the reasonable educator test should be as well-known as subject didactical knowledge. Real-life situations and case law should be used to ensure a clear understanding of these principles. Tendencies in international law should also be communicated to educators. This study determined that educators do not have sound legal knowledge to meet the minimum requirements set by legislation, common law and case law. Tertiary institutions will have to compile training programs urgently so that education departments, trade unions, governing bodies and principals can make it available to educators, who, in turn can empower themselves with relevant, practical education law knowledge. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

In this paper, I use data from the Florida Closed Claims Database to investigate how Florida’s 2003 non-economic damage cap legislation impacted elderly malpractice claimants. More specifically, I measure whether or not non-economic damage caps adversely impact claimants in counties with high elderly densities. To measure the effect of Florida’s non-economic damage caps, I look at multiple metrics that measure both elderly claimants’ monetary gains and their access to the justice system after the reform is passed. I find mildly conclusive evidence that counties with higher elderly density, and assumedly more elderly claimants, are more likely to settle cases before reaching a jury trial and are less likely to file a medical malpractice claim. Conversely, though, I find limited evidence supporting the idea that elderly claimants receive less monetary damage payments or drop cases more. Overall, then, my findings are not consistent with the view that non-economic damage caps significantly discriminate against elderly claimants.

In regards to health care, the civil tort system serves to both deter negligent behavior on the part of the provider and compensate victims for losses which must include bodily harm attributable to negligent medical care. Due to the unique malpractice landscape that evolved in the United States, national tort reform has increased over the last several decades and a need for reliable data exists. This paper matches claims from the National Practitioner's Data Bank to an independent state data bank to determine is systematic, nonrandom differences between the observations exist. The paper found that systematic differences existed and their existence was implicitly proven in a paper published in 2013. This calls into question the current state of knowledge surrounding medical malpractice liability reform.