Tortious Conduct: Behaviour That Is Negligently, Intentionally, or Recklessly Wrongful

Question: What is the role of tort law in Canada?

Answer: Tort law in Canada plays a crucial role in maintaining societal order by holding individuals and organizations accountable for actions that cause harm to others. It provides remedies for a variety of civil wrongs, beyond just breach of contract, ensuring compensation for victims and deterring future misconduct. This legal framework not only upholds moral standards but also fosters a culture of ethical responsibility and mutual respect. For assistance with tort disputes, Anderson Aylwin Begg & Co. offers comprehensive legal services across Oshawa, Toronto, and other locations.

Various Tort Disputes

Tort is a word derived from the Latin word tortum and is loosely meaning wrong or wrongful.  In law, tort falls into the area of civil law other than breach of contract or breach of fiduciary duty, involving rights of action (the right to sue) for a remedy such as compensation for harm caused by the tort.  The first known use of the word tort within a legal proceeding was in the case of Boulston v. Hardy, (1597), 77 E.R. 216.

The function of tort law extends beyond individual claims; tort law promotes a culture of responsibility by requiring people and organizations to consider the impact of their actions. This helps reduce harmful behavior across society and promotes careful conduct in both personal and work environments.  Apart from the compensatory function, tort law shapes societal expectations by holding individuals to norms of fairness and responsibility. This strengthens respect for the law and cultivates a social climate grounded in safety, accountability, and consideration for others.

Common Issues Include:

As above, even a highly experienced and knowledgeable Court of Appeal judge can be unfamiliar with all aspects of tort law; and accordingly, with dozens of legally recognized torts applicable to various forms of wrongdoing, it is necessary to carefully review the relevant law applicable to tort matters.