Rights-Based Trespass In Australia

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TRESPASS TO THE PERSON Overview Under the Australian common law, rights-based trespass is an intentional tort which protects the personal and physical autonomy and integrity of individuals. Torts for trespassing on a person take three forms: battery, assault and false imprisonment. Each of these differ in nature and effect, specifically regarding physical interference and mental apprehension. BATTERY Analysis and Application The initial issue under analysis pertains to whether Nancy’s actions towards Ann constitute battery under South Australian law. Pursuant to trespass torts, battery is the intentional and direct physical contact or interference with another person without their consent. In this case, the onus lies on Ann to prove on the balance of probabilities that Nancy’s direct act caused physical contact. Nancy’s action of grabbing Ann’s arm and pulling her to her feet satisfies the elements of battery. It is evident that …show more content…

The CLCA permits that a threat is not considered assault if it is made in either self-defence or the defence of property, and the threat is made reasonable under the circumstances. Henceforth, Mary-Lou’s warning to Ann could be seen as a lawful deterrence from future attempts to steal her plants, rather than any threat of harm. For this reason, it could be argued that Mary Lou did not assault Ann. If the court determines that Mary Lou’s actions constitute assault, Ann may be entitled to damages for reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact. Similarly to battery, she may be entitled to damages which include compensation for distress and any other harm suffered because of the assault. Nevertheless, Mary-Lou is likely to have a valid defence under the doctrine of defence of property and the permission of lawful threats. FALSE

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