“Adjournment” means a delay in a proceeding. In civil litigation and administrative appeal proceedings, adjournment requests are common.
Lawyers in Ontario have a professional obligation to consent to reasonable requests concerning “trial dates, adjournments, the waiver of procedural formalities and similar matters that do not prejudice the rights of the client.”
Therefore, even in an acrimonious proceeding [...]

Sorry may no longer be the hardest word, at least in Ontario.

A while ago I posted the story “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” on the (then) proposed Apology Act.* I’m glad to report that the Act has been passed and has been in force since April 23, 2009.
In a nutshell, the act “provides [...]

PSWLaw wishes the readers a happy and safe Pride 2009.
The theme for Pride Toronto 2009 is Can’t Stop Won’t Stop. Pride Toronto is a not-for-profit organization which exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto’s LGBTTIQQ2S* communities.
At this moment of celebration, we’re reminded that it hasn’t always been this way for sexual [...]

Most people think of mediation as a side dish during the long course of litigation - it’s nice to have, but by no means necessary. Today i suggest otherwise.
As most civil litigation cases are settled before trial, I believe that mediation can be an invaluable opportunity for the parties to resolve the matter on mutually [...]

Most courts and other quasi-judicial bodies encourage parties to settle. For example, case conferences and settlement conferences are mandatory under both the Family Law Rules and the Rules of Civil Procedure. They are designed to help the parties screen out non-contentious issues and expedite the proceedings.
Other quasi-judicial bodies, including the Landlord and Tenant Board and [...]