What are the consequences of reprehensible conduct of a party in an action for special costs?

British Columbia, Canada


The following excerpt is from Jacques v. Rona Inc., 2019 BCSC 2459 (CanLII):

Special costs are awarded where a party has engaged in reprehensible conduct. Some examples of circumstances that meet that threshold are pursuing a meritless claim and being reckless with regard to the truth; making improper allegations of fraud, conspiracy, fraudulent misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty; displaying reckless indifference by not recognizing early on that a claim is manifestly deficient; and presenting a case so weak that it is bound to fail: Mayer v. Osborne Contracting Ltd., 2011 BCSC 914.

Other Questions


Can a court award special costs to a party who engages in reprehensible conduct? (British Columbia, Canada)
Does a successful party have the right to claim special costs when the successful party is in a relationship with an opposing party? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a party be awarded special costs of an application to strike an action as an abuse of court process? (British Columbia, Canada)
What are the circumstances in which a party can seek special costs in a personal injury action? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a judge award special costs for a number of trial days, attributable to reprehensible conduct? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the impact of Justice Griffin's comments in the context of the Court of Appeal's decision in the case of the unsuccessful party seeking special costs against the successful party? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a court order special costs to punish a party for misconduct in the proceedings or to compensate the other party for misbehaviour? (British Columbia, Canada)
Can a lawyer be ordered to pay special costs against counsel for reprehensible conduct? (British Columbia, Canada)
How have special costs been awarded in civil actions where the purpose of the civil action was to silence public opposition? (British Columbia, Canada)
What is the effect of special costs for reprehensible conduct? (British Columbia, Canada)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.