The Modern Law of Torts presents an approach to learning legal doctrine and skills substantially distinct from traditional coursebooks. Each chapter starts with, and includes throughout, significant narrative explanations, laced with illustrations and guidance, rather than simply relying on a set of edited cases. Learning goals and outcomes are expressed for each chapter, followed by a clear pattern of assignments and problems that track those goals. Cases, almost all of which are recent, are included to provide illustrations of common applications, to explore dilemmas or problematic aspects of the doctrine, and as the means for problem-solving. Students are expected to use the cases to solve problems, not simply read them to learn the rules. This coursebook is student-oriented and students have consistently praised the effectiveness of the approach. The book also takes a more practice-orientated approach than most, presenting frequent practical information and periodic practice-oriented exercises. A wealth of problems and formative assessment tools, both simple and complex, appear throughout each chapter.

Finally, the book is designed around the idea that effective learning, especially in law school, involves a progression. Developing higher-level thinking skills, while simultaneously learning and understanding an intricate web of substantive rules, is best accomplished by starting with what is basic and clear before progressing to the more complex and nuanced. The second edition simplifies and clarifies the text, adds new cases and problems, and creates a more coherent presentation for several more complicated doctrinal areas.