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Where am I now? Lawlink > Law Reform Commission > Publications > Discussion Paper 38 (1997) - Contribution Between Persons Liable for the Same Damage

Discussion Paper 38 (1997) - Contribution Between Persons Liable for the Same Damage


Table of Contents

Terms of reference
Participants
Submissions
Summary of proposals
Abbreviations

1. INTRODUCTION
THE COMMISSION’S REFERENCE
THE PURPOSE OF THIS DISCUSSION PAPER
BACKGROUND TO THE CURRENT LAW OF CONTRIBUTION
Joint and several wrongdoers at common law

      Joint wrongdoers
      Several wrongdoers
Statutory variation of the common law
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

2. SOLIDARY LIABILITY
THE MOVEMENT AWAY FROM SOLIDARY LIABILITY
INTERIM REPORT ON SOLIDARY LIABILITY
The general rule of solidary liability

      Arguments in favour of solidary liability
      Arguments against solidary liability
      Arguments against proportionate liability
      The Commission’s conclusions in the Interim Report
Proportionate liability for non-economic loss in personal injury cases
THE DAVIS REPORT
Basis for the principal recommendation
Options considered
Evaluation of the Davis Report
THE COMMISSION’S VIEW

3. RATIONALE FOR CONTRIBUTION
THE RATIONALE FOR NO RIGHTS TO CONTRIBUTION
The traditional argument against a right to claim contribution
The effect of the principle of solidary liability
Law and economics perspective
THE RATIONALE FOR RIGHTS TO CONTRIBUTION
Solidary liability and arbitrariness as to which defendant is liable
Unjust enrichment
Proportionality
CONCLUSIONS OF OTHER LAW REFORM AGENCIES
CONCLUSION

4. CONTRIBUTION BETWEEN CONCURRENT TORTFEASORS
TORTS TO WHICH CONTRIBUTION APPLIES
Torts that are crimes
Intentional torts
Torts of strict liability
Statutory regimes
Conclusion

      All tortfeasors may claim contribution
D1’S CLAIM FOR CONTRIBUTION
Where P obtains judgment against D1
      Finality of a finding that D1 is liable to P
      Consent judgments obtained by fraud or collusion
      Where D1 and P settle without judgment
      Full settlements
      Partial settlements
Where P fails in an action against D2
      Where D2 successfully defends an action “on the merits”
      Where P’s action against D2 is time barred
      Where P fails for want of prosecution
      Where D2 is found not liable in third party proceedings
BASIS OF APPORTIONMENT OF LIABILITY
      Valuing goods and services
5. CONTRIBUTION AND ANALOGOUS RIGHTS BETWEEN WRONGDOERS OTHER THAN TORTFEASORS
RIGHTS OF CONTRIBUTION ARISING OUT OF STATUTORY
LIABILITY TO PAY DAMAGES
Statutory provision for contribution
      Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW)
Statutes which do not provide for contribution
Trade practices legislation
      Motor Accidents Act 1988 (NSW)
RIGHTS OF INDEMNITY
EQUITABLE RIGHTS OF CONTRIBUTION

6. CONTRIBUTION BETWEEN MIXED CONCURRENT WRONGDOERS
DIFFICULTIES IN EXTENDING THE RIGHT TO CONTRIBUTION
The effect of concurrent liability on rights to claim contribution

      Expansion of the tort of negligence
      The plaintiff’s choice of action
Different nature of liability in tort and in contract
      Intrusion of tortfeasors into private contractual arrangements
      Apportionment of liability
Adding to the complexity of the law
ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF EXTENSION
Where D2 and P have contracted to limit liability
      P bears D2’s liability
      D1’s right to contribution limited by contract between D2 and P
      Determining the contributable sum
VIEWS OF OTHER LAW REFORM AGENCIES
THE COMMISSION’S PROVISIONAL VIEW
Balancing the rights of the parties
Breaches of trust and other fiduciary duties
Legislative provisions
      Application of the legislative scheme
7. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
PROCEDURES FOR CLAIMING CONTRIBUTION
Joinder of actions
Initiating a claim for contribution
      The Ontario approach
      The Irish approach
      The Commission’s view
SANCTION IN COSTS
SANCTION IN DAMAGES
THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN JOINT WRONGDOERS AND SEVERAL WRONGDOERS
The judgment bar rule
The settlement bar rule
Single judgment rule
LIMITATION PERIODS
Limitation period relevant to the primary cause of action
Limitation period for contribution actions

Table of Legislation

Table of Cases

Select Bibliography

Index



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