Liability between neighbours

The law has been dealing with problems arising from the harm that one person causes to a neighbour for centuries. So what has been new in modern times?

First, urbanization and industrialization put new strains on the problems of people living in proximity to each other and to harmful activities.

Secondly, activities in an industrial society have a more widespread impact. For instance pollution can spread over many miles, and trains or cars travel fast over great distances.

Thirdly, the dangers created involve both hazards, for example chemicals or explosives, and interference with enjoyment, for example by vibrations from machines.