A Proposed Hate Communication Restriction and Freedom of Expression Protection Act: A Possible Compromise to a Continuing Controversy
Edward H. Lipsett · Manitoba Law Journal · 2009
the 5 th Session of Manitoba's 38 th Legislature. 1 The bill-also known as the Apology Act-allows a person to make an apology without it constituting an admission of legal liability.The following will assess Dr. Gerrard's bill, later reintroduced as Bill 202, to determine its merit and possible effects if passed.Prior to doing so however, a brief discussion of the various forms of apologies and their importance will ensue.It is necessary to first understand this to properly assess the bill's value.This paper will also present a survey of apology legislation in the United States, Australia, and Canada, including policy considerations throughout.Finally, a discussion of Manitoba's bill will follow, contemplating its benefits and disadvantages, to determine its merit and, consequently, whether it ought to be introduced in the province.