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Complex legal topics explained clearly for clients, professionals, and the public, and precise enough to actually inform the decisions that follow.
Plain-language explainers, case commentaries, and practice notes across civil litigation, commercial litigation, business law, appeals, and select cross-border topics. Read, then get in touch if your situation calls for it. The Information Portal is a working archive, not marketing copy. Each post is written by counsel at the firm and drafted to the same standard of care we apply to the files we handle.
What you'll find
Each post is written by counsel at the firm and drafted to the same standard of care we apply to the files we handle. The aim is practical: explain the doctrine, note what has changed, and point to what matters next. Long-form articles, case commentary, and short practice notes on the mechanics of procedure.
Complex legal topics explained clearly for clients, professionals, and the public, and precise enough to actually inform the decisions that follow.
Recent developments, new case law, and procedural changes, written up as they happen with the practical consequences drawn out plainly.
Actionable takeaways so readers can move from reading to decision-making, whether that is on their own, with in-house counsel, or with us.
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Content may not be comprehensive or current at the time you read it. Consult a qualified lawyer on any specific legal question or matter. Grigoras Law is not responsible for any damage or loss arising from reliance upon this information.
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The freedom of the internet allows for uninhibited self-expression. While many embrace this freedom to share positive stories, ideas, and feedback, others exploit it to spread malicious rumors or make derogatory comments without facing immediate consequences. The cloak of anonymity can embolden such individuals, making the internet a potential hotbed for defamation.
The case of Sase Aggregate Ltd. v. Langdon offers insights into the principles of knowing receipt, knowing assistance, and unjust enrichment. This article dives into why Sase Aggregate Ltd., the appellant, was unsuccessful in both its initial application to the lower court and its subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
The recent appeal in Park Lawn Corp. v. Kahu Capital Partners Ltd. to the Court of Appeal of Ontario has thrown open the floodgates of discussions on the costs, efficiency, and economic implications of anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motions.
When the invisible line of respect between individuals in society is crossed through defamatory comments, the law provides a remedy through defamation lawsuits. However, these cases are not black-and-white. Their outcomes can be influenced by the actions and behaviour of involved parties – both before and after the publication of the defamation. In Ontario, this scrutiny of conduct shapes legal outcomes.
Understanding defamation law, especially when considering the potential damages, is no small feat. The nuances and complexities can be overwhelming, yet having a clear comprehension of what the damages entail is invaluable for plaintiffs and defendants alike. In Ontario, defamation law encompasses three key types of damages: Aggravated, Special, and Punitive Damages.
There is an ever-present tension between the right to freedom of speech and the need to protect individuals and corporations from defamation. In Ontario, Canada, the Protection of Public Participation Act 2015 (Ontario PPPA) aims to tip the balance towards the former, providing a strong defence for those who choose to express their views on matters of public interest.
When we talk about “parliamentary privilege,” we refer to a set of rights and protections that enable lawmakers at the federal and provincial levels in Canada to perform their duties without fear of being legally liable. These privileges safeguard the democratic principles Canada is built upon, so that each branch of government respects the others’ roles.
In 2019, Ontario recognized “publicity which places an individual in a false light” – the “false light tort” – as a part of the common law. Despite its relatively simple definition, the false light tort remains puzzling due to its ambiguous parameters, unique elements, and potential utility.
When your cargo or luggage gets damaged or lost during international air transport, you might think that the airline will compensate you for your losses. However, the law of airline liability for international cargo and baggage is complex. It’s governed by international conventions like the Warsaw Convention and the Montreal Convention, which establish specific rules and liability limits for airlines.
The business judgment rule has its roots in the need for an environment of innovation and growth in business. Recognizing that running a business often involves taking risks, this rule has been developed to shield directors and officers who are willing to take calculated chances to propel a corporation forward.
Civil fraud, also known as deceit, is a serious economic tort or civil wrong that involves a deliberate deception through false representation. It requires four elements: a false representation by the defendant, their knowledge (or recklessness) of the falsehood, the plaintiff’s action influenced by this representation, and a loss suffered by the plaintiff as a result.
The judicial system in Nevada upholds the rule of law and the fair administration of justice. The courts covered include Municipal Courts, Justice Courts, Small Claims Court, District Courts, Family Courts, and Appellate Courts, comprising the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.
An “insider” is broadly defined, including the corporation, directors, officers, major shareholders, employees, and professionals like lawyers or accountants. Liability extends to those receiving confidential information from insiders (tippees). Insiders cannot tip others for trading advantages. If an insider tips an unrelated person, they are liable for damages and accountable to the corporation for benefits received.
In recent months, the rise of advanced artificial intelligence and natural language processing technologies, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, has sparked a debate about their potential impact on various industries, including the legal profession. The million-dollar question inevitably arises: Will LLMs replace lawyers (and perhaps judges also), or at the very least, lead to a massive paradigm shift in law practice?
In defamation cases, an apology may weigh heavily in the assessment of damages. Courts, however, have no jurisdiction to order a defendant to apologize. The existence of an apology, the sincerity of the defendant, and the extent of the publicity given to the apology are factors that courts consider when determining damages.
Trespass to the person is a longstanding area of tort law that addresses actions involving direct physical contact or threats to an individual’s physical or mental well-being.
The Lowest Intermediate Balance Rule (“LIBR“) is an essential concept in the legal world, particularly in cases involving the tracing of funds. It is an evidential rule that assumes that when a person commingles their own funds with funds belonging to someone else, they are assumed to have spent their own funds first.
Traditionally, fraud has been understood as involving deceit or intentional misrepresentation. However, the courts have expanded the concept to encompass equitable or constructive fraud, which includes various forms of unfair dealing and unconscionable conduct in contractual matters.
Yes, believe it or not, you can sue a city. Municipal corporations, which include cities, are no longer immune to liability as they were in the past. They can be held accountable for various wrongdoings, such as tortious acts, breaches of contract, and neglecting statutory duties.
Rylands v. Fletcher is a landmark case in English tort law that established the principle of strict liability for certain harmful activities. The rule states that a person who uses their land for non-natural purposes and accumulates a potentially dangerous substance on their property may be held strictly liable if that substance escapes and causes damage to another’s property.
Fair comment is one of defamation law’s most important defences. It protects opinion on matters of public interest, but only when the underlying facts are true, the statement is recognizable as comment and not fact, and the opinion is one that a person could honestly hold. This article explains every element of the defence, the role of malice, and what the standard means in practice.
Most people focus on whether their defamation claim is strong. But in Ontario, whether you can even bring the claim depends on a six-week statutory notice requirement that must be met before filing. Miss it, and the action is gone regardless of its merits. This article explains exactly what the notice requirement demands, how discoverability affects the period, and how the rules differ across Canada.
The tort of conversion primarily deals with the unlawful interference of another person’s movable personal property, known as chattels. In contrast to trespass to goods, conversion demands more than a simple invasion of the plaintiff’s possessory rights; it requires an interference that denies the plaintiff’s title.
The tort of intimidation, a relatively less explored area of common law, has been recognized and established through a series of judicial decisions. The House of Lords in Rookes v. Barnard (“Rookes“) formally acknowledged the existence of this tort, which has since been accepted as part of the common law in Canada.
Civil contempt of court is a complex legal concept that originates from the need to preserve justice and prevent obstruction. It encompasses a wide range of actions, from interfering with the due course of justice to undermining the authority of a court.
Over time, Canadian provincial legislation regulating defamation has been updated to incorporate modern communication methods. However, since most of this legislation does not explicitly address the Internet, judges are often required to draw parallels between Internet communications and traditional media forms, such as newspapers and broadcasts, that are covered by the legislation.
Liability waivers are legal agreements that can limit or exclude the duty of care owed by an occupier in certain circumstances. Although waivers can limit a business’s legal exposure, courts carefully scrutinize these agreements for fairness and reasonableness.
Litigation is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the rules and procedures that govern the legal system. In this blog post, we explore the various stages of a lawsuit in Ontario, from the initial pleadings to the final trial.
In Canadian law, class actions are a mechanism for individuals who have suffered similar harm or losses to collectively seek legal redress against a common defendant. These lawsuits serve multiple purposes, such as providing access to justice for people who might not have the means to pursue individual litigation, encouraging behavioural modification in large corporations or organizations, and promoting judicial efficiency by consolidating numerous related cases into a single legal action.
The tort of passing off in Canadian law is founded upon the notion that no individual should be allowed to represent their products or services as those of another. The Supreme Court of Canada has set forth three key elements that a plaintiff must establish to succeed in a passing off action: goodwill, misrepresentation, and damage.
When it is time to move from reading to resolving, Grigoras Law handles civil, commercial, and appellate matters across Ontario, and select cross-border files. The right counsel changes the calculation. For plaintiffs, that means a practical assessment of viable causes of action, a realistic view of recovery prospects, and a clear read on urgent interim relief if the facts support it. For defendants, it means pleadings assessed, defences triaged, and a strategy that keeps the file from consuming your business while it runs.
A contract has been breached, a partner has acted against your interests, a director has crossed a line, or money is at risk of disappearing. You want to understand what can be recovered, what urgent relief is available before trial, and whether the case is worth running.
Start plaintiff intake → Defendant intakeYou have been served with a statement of claim, an oppression application, or a demand that threatens proceedings. You need the pleadings assessed, the defences triaged, and a strategy that keeps the file from consuming your business while it runs.
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