In his decision this Fall in Fraleigh v. RBC Dominion Securities, Ontario Superior Court Justice Newbould summarily dismissed an action brought by John Fraleigh against RBC Dominion Securities and one of its employees. The action was brought for allegedly false statements and testimony given before the Ontario Securities Commission claiming unusual trading activity in his RBC trading accounts – information that was later published in media reports. In dismissing Fraleigh’s action, Justice Newbould found that the claim arose entirely from testimony and other related communications to the OSC; communications that are protected by absolute privilege.

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Cross-examination is an invaluable tool at trial. The ultimate challenge for a trial lawyer is to extract information from the opponent’s witnesses to support their client’s case and/or undermine the credibility of the opponent’s position. While no substitute exists for experience I have tried to outline some practical guidelines to assist those who are developing their own style and techniques.

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