New Legislation Halts Abusive Litigation

People who needlessly tie up court resources in Nova Scotia will now face new restrictions under legislation introduced today, Nov. 21, by Justice Minister Cecil Clarke.

The legislation targets people who persistently start, or continue, court proceedings without reasonable grounds. They are referred to as vexatious litigants.

"These proceedings are without reasonable grounds and are brought forward to harass a defendant," said Mr. Clarke. "The judiciary has asked for this legislation because these proceedings strain court resources, waste time and result in defendants having to incur unnecessary legal costs."

Seven other provinces, along with the Supreme Court and Federal Court of Canada, have legislation restraining such claims.

The legislation comes after consultation in 2006 and investigation by the Law Reform Commission of Nova Scotia, which concluded vexatious litigants pose a threat to the Nova Scotia civil justice system.