When it comes to civil litigation, Ontario and other provinces have a “loser pays” rule. That means that the party who succeeds in court will typically have a portion of their legal costs paid by the opposing side. This may be daunting to some prospective representative plaintiffs in class actions. However, there are a number […]
Representative plaintiffs can be protected from liability Read More »
The recent passage of Bill C-5 eliminating mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs) for 14 offences in the Criminal Code along with all six offences covered by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is both timely and necessary. The federal government states the offences that were removed for mandatory minimums were chosen because of their exaggerated impact. Included is dangerous driving causing
Rehabilitation should be the primary focus of sentencing Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Divorce can stressful enough without having to worry about conduct that can be construed by the court as acting in bad faith. “An acrimonious divorce with high levels of conflict has the potential to push people to do things that blur the line between defending their legal rights and acting in
Acting in bad faith during a divorce can be costly Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Success in mediation comes down to using your mediator as your ally, says Toronto-area employment lawyer and mediator Stuart Rudner. “That means being open with me about your case and desired outcome, and giving me the ammunition needed to advance your case,” says Rudner, founder and principal at Rudner
Taking ‘open approach’ can put mediation on the right track Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Many lawyers and judges understand the benefits of having orders for reunification therapy included in family law judgments, says Derek Woodruff, co-director of Renew Supervision Services. “Reunification therapy is a way to restore a relationship between a child and an estranged or rejected parent. It’s a form of family
Reunification therapy restores damaged child/parent relationships Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • Even if Metrolinx wins the right to cut down trees on the venerable Osgoode Hall property, the fight to find an alternative site for a new subway station will continue, vows the Toronto Lawyers’ Association (TLA). “The sound we are hearing is Law Society of Ontario (LSO) benchers of the past
Fight to save Osgoode Hall grounds will take ‘strong leadership’ Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Canadians who fear for their safety when they are out in public might be considering carrying a concealed weapon. That would be the wrong decision to make, says Calgary criminal lawyer Vincent Semenuk. Semenuk warns that anyone found with a weapon – including a handgun, pepper spray, a knife or brass
Carrying a concealed weapon can land you in prison Read More »
By Tony Poland, LegalMatters Staff • With the ever-expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creative process, Canada’s laws will need to be amended to define and protect intellectual property rights, says Toronto intellectual property lawyer John Simpson. AI has been around for decades and has developed into a formidable tool with increasing applications, says
New legislation will be needed to deal with AI’s expanding scope Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • For many Canadians, one of the great joys of winter is sliding down a hill on a toboggan or sled. But the risk of serious injury may lurk behind the next snow drift, warns Ontario personal injury lawyer Joshua Goldberg. “We all love the thrill of tobogganing and it
Tobogganing is thrilling but it can also be dangerous Read More »
By LegalMatters Staff • Going through a divorce is stressful. There are financial and legal issues to deal with, especially if there are children or a matrimonial home involved. There is also an emotional toll since divorce can be traumatic for everyone involved. There may be anger and resentment between the ex-partners as they come
Be careful when splitting with a spouse with mental health issues Read More »
