New Legislation Will Prevent Lawsuits that Strain Court Resources

People who needlessly tie up court resources in Nova Scotia would face restrictions under legislation introduced today, Sept. 22, by Justice Minister Ross Landry.

The legislation targets people who persistently start, or continue, court proceedings without reasonable grounds. They are referred to as vexatious litigants. This legislation was originally introduced in November 2008.

"This legislation will prevent lawsuits that strain court resources. We want our justice system to be effective and efficient as possible," said Mr. Landry.

Vexatious claims strain court resources, waste judges' time and results in defendants having to incur unnecessary legal costs. Nova Scotia judges will now have the power to end such claims.

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. Further consultations were done in 2009.