O’Connor Richardson Professional Corporation Legal Blog

Why default judgment is not necessarily the end of a case

A party might end up with a default judgment against them in a civil case for all kinds of reasons. However, courts are generally inclined to be forgiving when a party can present a reasonable excuse for their previous delinquent behaviour. The bottom line for defendants who can provide a reasonable explanation for their own default and any delay in bringing the motion to set aside is that they stand a very good chance of success.

Risks and Rewards by Notice of Application

Rule 14.05(3) of Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure sets out the circumstances when a matter can proceed by way of application, allowing the judge to decide a discrete issue or potentially even the entire case based entirely on a paper record and oral arguments, without hearing from any live witnesses.

In the appropriate case, this allows the parties to circumvent some of the worst aspects of litigation: the costs and scheduling delays associated with discoveries and a full trial.

However, the process is not without risks. Judges retain the ability to convert an application into an action, which means that you could end up right back where you started if the court concludes that further evidence is required.

Construction Lien FAQs

General contractors are among the most common users of the construction lien process, but Ontario’s Construction Act opens the door to any person under contract who has supplied services or materials for the “improvement” of the property, which could include alterations, additions, repair work, or even complete or partial demolition.

Courts, consent and STI: A look at legal outcomes

It is clear that judges are prepared to award damages to those who can prove that they acquired a sexual infection from a person who knew they were a carrier and failed to be up-front about their sexual health.

Courts will look at various factors to determine whether damages are warranted, including the age of the person, the timing of other sexual relationships and any other health risks associated with the particular disease, such as the permanent nature of a herpes infection.

Judge adds buyer’s realtor to lawsuit over aborted real estate deal

Plaintiffs typically feel they have a good idea of how they have been wronged by a defendant when they file a statement of claim with the court. However, as time passes and more details emerge, key aspects of the originating document may no longer line up with the known facts. Luckily, Ontario’s Rules of Civil Procedure recognize that possibility, allowing parties — in the right circumstances — to amend the pleadings to match their evolving understanding of the case. 

Saskatchewan court enforces contract signed via thumbs-up emoji

In the recent case of South West Terminal Ltd. v. Achter Land, a Swift Current farmer was ordered to pay an agricultural business more than $82,000 for failing to deliver 87 metric tonnes of flax after Court of King’s Bench Justice Timothy Keene concluded that his thumb-up response to a texted contract was enough to constitute valid signature and acceptance of the agreement.