Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Keywords

Restatement Torts, injury

Abstract

These comments question the terminology used in the Third Restatement of Torts for psychological effects, partially on the ground of obsolescence in light of developments in the neurosciences. Instead of the distinction emphasized in the Third Restatement between “physical harm” and “emotional disturbance” (or “distress”), they suggest a distinction between “harm” that constitutes an impairment of functionality, which would be treated as a free-standing basis for liability, like conventional diseases or injuries, and “mere feelings”, which would continue to be compensable in negligence only parasitically. Similarly, the interest protected should be regarded not as an interest in freedom from “disturbance” of “emotional tranquility”, but as one in health. These suggestions, while not familiar in American legal literature, appear to be compatible with contemporary English usage.

Disciplines

Torts

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