Legal Research

SCC Cusson Decision Out: Responsible Communication Defence

By Jeanette Lee

The Supreme Court of Canada released its reasons in Quan v. Cusson today. This is a key decision in the area of defamation and libel, and a major victory for the media. The court recognized the new defence, of responsible communication on matters of public importance. A quote from the reasons delivered by Chief Justice Beverly McLaughlin: “The judge decides whether the publication was on a matter of public interest. If so, the jury then decides whether the standard of responsibility has been met.” Read the court’s reasons here. The Globe and Mail press coverage is here.

Full post as published by Slaw.ca on December 22, 2009 (boomark / email).