Tort Law

PURPOSE
The Tort Law credential documents the essential competencies related to tort law which covers most legal issues that fall under civil lawsuits with the exception of contractual disputes.

AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for paralegals and legal assistants who assist attorneys in civil legal issues. It is also appropriate for a variety of business professionals that are responsible for ensuring that businesses comply with the law and take actions to prevent negligent behaviors as well as those involved in areas in which product liability is a potential issue, in family-related torts, in privacy related issues, in contractor and employment relationships, and in other business-related activities. 

JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
Tort law credentials signify an understanding of the various personal and business activities that can result in a civil lawsuit. Paralegals and legal assistants must understand tort law in their daily activities assisting attorneys in investigating civil lawsuit facts, in preparing for civil trials and alternative dispute resolution methods, and in preparing related legal documents and correspondence.  

TORT LAW WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

• Paralegals and legal assistants - investigate facts of a case and conduct research on relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles related to civil legal matters.  
• Paralegals and legal assistants organize and maintain documents, gather and arrange evidence and other legal documents, and write reports to help lawyers in civil legal matters.  
• Paralegals and legal assistants draft correspondence and legal documents to help lawyers in civil legal matters. 
• Paralegals and legal assistants handle exhibits, take notes, and review trial transcripts to assist lawyers during trials in family civil matters. 
• Paralegals and legal assistants file exhibits, briefs, appeals, and other legal documents with the court and opposing counsel in family civil matters. 
• Paralegals and legal assistants call clients, witnesses, lawyers, and outside vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions in civil legal matters  
• Mental health, marriage, and family counselors often conduct evaluations, assist attorneys in understanding psychological issues, and help clients present the best version of their true selves to the court as well as provide insightful information to judges to help them understand needs of children and family members in family legal matters  
• Police and detectives must understand civil law related to relationship-based and family legal situations when enforcing the laws and investigating civil law violations as well as in tenant/landlord disputes, invasion of privacy, and a variety of intentional torts  
• Business managers and owners must understand civil law as it relates to negligence, premises liability, product liability, vicarious liability, defamation, and invasion of privacy

EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Number of Questions in Exam: 120
Total Time: 120 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)