Construction Law

This work explores the general principles which govern civil liability for the design and construction of building works. Essentially it is concerned with three key questions which arise in the event of the design or construction proving defective: who can be sued; who can sue; and what remedies are available to the injured party. The author takes a wide view of the subject by placing it in the context of developments in problematical areas of the common law. Particular emphasis is placed on liability in negligence for defective buildings and on the doctrine of privity of contract and their implications for the extent of the liabilities of contractors, subcontractors, design professionals and surveyors. This new edition contains a new chapter on the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 and their implications for construction law, discussion of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 and consideration of land mark decisions of the UK and Commonwealth courts governing construction liability. New to this edition: a new chapter on the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 and their implications for construction law; discussion of the implications of the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 for construction liability; the impact of recent land mark decisions of the House of Lords on construction liability; discussion of recent decisions of the Commonwealth courts in the area of negligence and defective buildings; and the proposals of the Latham report and of the Law Commission's study of joint liability.