Judges will soon have more power to ban frivolous lawsuits in Nova Scotia.
A government bill will target people who continually file lawsuits without reasonable grounds in an attempt to harass another party. Judges will have increased power to level lawsuit restraining orders and order financial compensation.
“We are told individuals that want to harass or financially punish someone can do so by taking them through the courts process time and time again. The defendant must respond each time, even though the claim has no merit,” said Justice Minister Ross Landry.
The bill was originally floated last fall by the Tories but was sent back for more consultation. The NDP announced yesterday they were bringing it back without any modifications.
Landry said it’s impossible to know exactly how much time and court resources are wasted by such lawsuits.
Seven other provinces and the Supreme Court of Canada have such legislation.
