Torts And Damages De Leon -
The study of torts is the study of the boundaries of human conduct. From the reckless driver on EDSA to the defective product sold online, the principles of negligence govern the safety of society.
For anyone seeking to understand the intricate web of obligations that arise outside of contracts in the Philippines, "Comments and Cases on Torts and Damages" by Hector S. De Leon and Hector M. De Leon, Jr. remains the gold standard. Its strength lies in its methodical approach: it defines terms with precision, breaks down complex concepts into digestible parts, and, most importantly, grounds every discussion in the actual words of the Supreme Court. Whether you are a law student bracing for the bar exams or a seasoned practitioner looking to refresh your knowledge, this book provides the comprehensive, reliable, and structured guidance needed to master the law of torts and damages in the Philippines.
: Landmark and modern decisions from the Supreme Court are digested to showcase how doctrines apply to physical, economic, and moral injuries. 2. Foundations of Philippine Tort Law
Under the Civil Code, which De Leon annotates, there are several types of damages often summarized by the mnemonic : Moral: For physical suffering, mental anguish, or fright.
oral: Mental anguish, serious anxiety, wounded feelings (Art. 2217). E xemplary: Corrective or to set an example for public good. torts and damages de leon
Those agreed upon by the parties to a contract, to be paid in case of breach thereof. Courts may reduce them if they are iniquitous or unconscionable. 6. Key Defenses in Torts and Damages Cases
According to De Leon, a is a legal wrong independent of a contract. It represents a violation of a private legal right, other than a breach of contract, that causes damage to another, for which the law provides a remedy. Key components of torts highlighted by De Leon include:
Under Article 2180 of the Civil Code, certain persons are held liable for the damages caused by those under their care, custody, or employment. These include:
: The plaintiff voluntarily and knowingly exposed themselves to a recognized danger. The study of torts is the study of
De Leon explains a unique modification to the "contributory negligence" rule. In Philippine jurisdiction, unlike common law jurisdictions, contributory negligence by the plaintiff does not bar recovery. Instead, it merely reduces the damages (Art. 2179). However, the operates as an exception: If the plaintiff was negligent, but the defendant had the last clear opportunity to avoid the harm and failed to do so, the defendant is fully liable.
Liable for damages caused by their employees and household helpers acting within the scope of their assigned tasks, even if the employers are not engaged in any business or industry.
For law students preparing for bar examinations and practitioners drafting pleadings, the De Leon literature emphasizes structural analysis. Every tort case must be approached systematically: first, establish the source of the obligation; second, identify the standard of care breached; third, construct the chain of causation; and finally, itemize and substantiate each category of damages claimed.
: It tracks the pertinent provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines , primarily Book V. De Leon and Hector M
that define vicarious liability in the Philippines.
The actual loss, hurt, or harm resulting from the injury.
De Leon's text explores several critical doctrines often tested in law school and bar exams: Academia.edu (PDF) TORTS & DAMAGES - Academia.edu
A massive portion of De Leon’s book focuses on , also known as culpa aquiliana or culpa extra-contractual . Under Article 2176 of the Civil Code of the Philippines, a quasi-delict occurs when a person, through act or omission, causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence. Elements of a Quasi-Delict
"Whoever by act or omission causes damage to another, there being fault or negligence, is obliged to pay for the damage done. Such fault or negligence, if there is no pre-existing contractual relation between the parties, is called a quasi-delict..." Essential Elements of a Quasi-Delict
