Torts Lecture Eighteen Strict Liability: 'Dog Bites' Explained

In Lecture Eighteen of our Torts series, we delve into the doctrine of strict liability as it applies to dog bites, a topic that highlights the intersection of public safety and personal responsibility. Unlike negligence-based claims, strict liability holds dog owners legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets regardless of fault or prior knowledge of the animal’s viciousness. Many jurisdictions have enacted statutes that impose automatic liability when a dog bites a person, especially if the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the animal. This lecture explores the historical evolution of the “one-bite rule,” the shift toward statutory strict liability, and the legal nuances that differentiate domestic pets from inherently dangerous animals. Through case studies and statutory analysis, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how courts balance owner accountability with victim protection in dog bite incidents.