Liability for omissions in tort law: Economicanalysis

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Abstract

This paper discusses the economic approach to the question whether there should be a legal duty to rescue and a corresponding liability for omissions. It discusses the law and economics literature which holds that a rule of no-liability for rescue is efficient since a legal duty to rescue may crowd out altruism and could create a substitution effect. The subsequent literature has refined and criticised this hypothesis, arguing that in particular cases, where a special relationship between the potential rescuer and the injurer or victim exists, a duty to rescue may be efficient. Empirical studies concerning the duty to rescue are also discussed, showing that notwithstanding the absence of a legal duty to rescue, rescue without law seems to be the norm in the us. Finally, the possibility of a duty to rescue in criminal law is discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)184-208
JournalJournal of European Tort Law
Volume2
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2011

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