NCCC 21 Ch 15 - Torts and Tortfeasors

Right of contribution

The right to share a loss among joint tortfeasors or other codefendants.

Joint liability

Liability under which all joint tortfeasors must be named as defendants in a lawsuit.

Masters

An employer. A lawyer appointed by the court to hear testimony in a case and report back to the court as to his or her findings or conclusions.

Doctrine of sovereign immunity

A legal doctrine under which governmental bodies are immune from tort liability.

Prosecute

To proceed against a person criminally.

Doctrine of charitable immunity

A legal doctrine under which charitable institutions are immune from tort liability.

Several liability

Liability under which joint tortfeasors may be sued separately in a lawsuit.

Vicarious liability

Liability that is imputed to principals and employers because of the wrongdoings of their agents and employees.

Immune

Exempt.

Servant

One who performs services under the direction and control of another; an employee.

Joint tortfeasors

Two or more people who participate in the commission of a tort.

Cybertort

A tort associated with a computer.

Duty of care

A legal obligation of carefulness or prudence toward those likely to be injured by one’s conduct.

Doctrine of respondeat superior

A legal doctrine under which an employer is responsible for the torts of its employees, that are committed within the scope of employment. Initially called the master servant rule.

Tortfeasor

One who commits a tort.

Willful torts

Torts that are committed intentionally. Also called intentional torts.

Good Samaritan statutes

Laws providing that physicians, nurses, and certain other medical personnel will not be liable for negligent acts that occur when they voluntarily, without a fee, render emergency care or treatment outside of the ordinary course of their practice.