Ontario, Canada

Fact Situation

A new client, Samantha, owns a standard poodle, Nellie. Whenever someone knocks on Samantha's door, Nellie runs to the door and barks a greeting. Three days ago, Nellie did more than bark a greeting. When the visitor, Norm, a vacuum salesman, reached down to pet Nellie, she uncharacteristically bit his thumb. Norm required three stitches as a result and now has an infection, which might require surgery to his hand. Samantha is worried about being sued and has come to see you for advice.

a. What Ontario statute(s) will apply in this situation?

b. What key words did you use and where did you search for the above?

c. What section(s) of theActare applicable? Be specific.

d. You have learned that Norm was not actually interested in selling Samantha a vacuum but knocked on her door to gain entry into your house to rob her. Does this change your answer to question c, above?

e. Generally, might Samantha be liable for the injury to Norm?

f. In which federal riding is your school located and who is the member of parliament?

g. In which provincial riding is your school located and who is the member of provincial parliament?

h. Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada? When did that person first join the Supreme Court of Canada, and when were they appointed to the position of Chief Justice?

i. Who is the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal for Ontario?

j. How many judges currently sit on the Court of Appeal for Ontario?

k. The Superior Court of Justice is made up of judicial regions. How many judicial regions are there?

l. The Superior Court of Justice has five separate areas of jurisdiction. What are they?

m. What doesstare decisismean? Be sure to look at Canadian sources in your research.