Search defamation, publication, defences, damages, online defamation, and more — backed by real case law.
Defamation law balances reputation and free expression, with outcomes turning on context and available defences — Casey searches millions of court decisions to surface verified case law on libel, slander, and online defamation.
Defamation law balances reputation and free expression, with outcomes turning on context and available defences — Casey searches millions of court decisions to surface verified case law on libel, slander, and online defamation.
Real Scenarios
1
Establishing Defamation Claims
To succeed in defamation, a plaintiff must show the words were defamatory, referred to them, and were published to a third party. Courts carefully analyze the meaning of the words in context and whether they would lower the plaintiff's reputation.
Prompt:
“What cases explain the elements required to prove a defamation claim in Canada?”
Casey returns decisions outlining the three-part test for defamation, how courts interpret meaning in context, and the standard for determining whether words are capable of being defamatory.
2
Online Defamation and Social Media
Defamatory statements published on social media, review platforms, or blogs can spread rapidly and cause lasting harm. Courts are increasingly addressing questions about jurisdiction, anonymity, and platform liability.
Prompt:
“What cases discuss defamation liability for negative online reviews posted about a business?”
Casey surfaces decisions where courts assessed whether online reviews crossed the line from opinion to defamation, how damages were quantified for reputational harm, and when platforms share responsibility.
3
Truth and Justification Defence
Truth is a complete defence to defamation. The defendant must prove the substance of the statement is true, but need not prove every detail. Courts assess whether the essential sting of the allegation has been justified.
Prompt:
“How do courts apply the defence of justification when the defamatory statement is only partially true?”
Casey retrieves decisions analyzing what constitutes the essential sting of an allegation, how courts treat partial truths, and the burden of proof on defendants asserting justification as a defence.
4
Responsible Communication Defence
The Supreme Court of Canada recognized a defence for responsible communication on matters of public interest. Courts consider whether the publisher acted diligently in trying to verify the information before publication.
Prompt:
“What cases apply the responsible communication defence for journalism on matters of public interest?”
Casey returns rulings examining the factors courts consider — including seriousness of the allegation, urgency, source reliability, and whether the plaintiff's side was sought — in responsible communication defences.
5
Damages in Defamation Cases
Defamation damages can include general damages for reputational harm, special damages for provable financial loss, and aggravated or punitive damages in egregious cases. Award ranges vary significantly based on the circumstances.
Prompt:
“What range of damages have Canadian courts awarded in defamation cases involving social media?”
Casey surfaces decisions showing damage award ranges, how courts assessed the reach and permanence of online statements, and what factors led to higher or lower awards in social media defamation cases.
6
Fair Comment and Honest Opinion
The defence of fair comment protects expressions of opinion on matters of public interest, provided they are based on facts and honestly held. Courts distinguish between statements of fact and expressions of opinion.
Prompt:
“What cases discuss the fair comment defence for opinion pieces published in media?”
Casey returns decisions where courts evaluated whether statements were recognizable as opinion, whether the underlying facts were stated or known, and whether the comment was one an honest person could hold.
Real Scenarios
To succeed in defamation, a plaintiff must show the words were defamatory, referred to them, and were published to a third party. Courts carefully analyze the meaning of the words in context and whether they would lower the plaintiff's reputation.
Prompt:
“What cases explain the elements required to prove a defamation claim in Canada?”
Casey returns decisions outlining the three-part test for defamation, how courts interpret meaning in context, and the standard for determining whether words are capable of being defamatory.
Canadian courts have awarded defamation damages exceeding $1 million in cases involving persistent online harassment campaigns — and a single defamatory social media post can be considered published to every person who viewed it.
Ask Casey your question and get answers backed by real case law — free for the public, powerful for professionals.