Recorded on: March 29, 2022
Length: 60 minutes
Summary
Lawyer Daniel Coles answers common questions about defamation, including what it is and what you can do about it. Learn the essentials of defamation law in British Columbia.
Highlights
In this webinar, you will learn:
What defamation is. [3:30]
The difference between libel and slander. [7:45]
The defences to defamation, from truth to fair comment to responsible communication (among others). [11:20]
The interplay between the right to freedom of speech and protections from defamation. [27:05]
What options are available if your ex posts lies about you on Facebook. [30:50]
What to do if you think you have a claim for defamation. [34:30]
What to do if you’ve written letters and nothing has changed, and when you should see a lawyer. [37:20]
What to do if you can’t afford a lawyer. [39:50]
What a “SLAPP suit” is. [41:35]
What to do if you’ve been accused of defamation. [44:35]
Whether you can be sued for leaving a negative review of a company. [47:20]
Whether you can be sued for leaving a review on RateMDs, the website for reviewing medical professionals. [50:25]
Tips for representing yourself in court in a defamation claim where you have documented false and defamatory statements made against you. [52:00]
Whether it would be considered libel if someone slanders you, knowing that another person is recording the exchange and will publish it to another person. [54:30]
Featuring
Daniel Coles
Dan is litigation shareholder (partner) at Owen Bird, a mid-sized law firm in downtown Vancouver. He enjoys a broad practice representing and advising clients from a variety of industries with an emphasis on construction litigation, media and defamation law, and assisting licensees in the hospitality industry. Dan is the author of Alcohol & Advocacy, an award-winning blog that considers development in the law concerning the sale, manufacture, and consumption of alcohol.
Attendee feedback
“Excellent opportunity to learn about legal topics in a safe and respectful environment. Great to have information before situations arise. Your time is much appreciated. Thank you.”
“Great team. Warm and friendly atmosphere with info and questions and responses.”
“As always this was an informative, well-balanced and excellent webinar.”
“Great presentation. I like how it was not in legal-ese but in plain English. Thanks!”
“Excellent — time well spent. Very clear speaker for this kind of venue, speaks in bullet points so we can take notes which shows respect for the audience.”
“Very informative and personal. Removed much of the mystique and fear of the tort and the system. Incredible resource.”
Additional resources
From People’s Law School:
Defamation, featuring step-by-step guidance on what amounts to defamation and how to deal with it
If you’ve been accused of defamation, including coverage of the defences to defamation
Information on other options to address hurtful comments (depending on the context): discrimination and human rights and options to deal with a problem in the workplace
Some of the laws in play: