What is the intention of the author and publisher of a statement alleged to be defamatory?
British Columbia, Canada
The following excerpt is from Galloway v A.B, 2021 BCSC 2344 (CanLII):
The intention of the author and publisher of a statement alleged to be defamatory is not relevant on the issue of meaning. The subjective opinion of a plaintiff concerning the meaning of the expression is also not relevant. See Lawson v. Baines, 2011 BCSC 326 (“Lawson Trial”), at para. 39, aff’d 2012 BCCA 117 (“Lawson Appeal”).
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