Ottawa – On Wednesday, October 19, 2011, the Supreme Court of Canada will release its judgment in Crookes v. Newton, SCC 33412. At issue is whether hyperlinking to defamatory material – defamatory material hosted by someone else, elsewhere on the internet – amounts to publication for the purposes of a claim in defamation.

The BCCLA argued that hyperlinking is not publication, and that treating it as if it were would radically discourage the interlinking that gives the internet its vitality. At stake is the protection of speech and free expression in the context of the internet, and ensuring that access to information is not compromised.

Paul Schabas and Roy Millen of Blake, Cassels & Graydon are representing the BCCLA.

What: Supreme Court of Canada Decision in Crookes v. Newton, SCC 33412.

When: Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Where: Supreme Court of Canada (Ottawa)

Who: Counsel for the BCCLA, Roy Millen, will be available for comment at the numbers listed below (Vancouver).

MEDIA CONTACTS

Roy Millen, Counsel for the BCCLA: 604-417-2349 (before 9am PT)/ 604-631-4220 (after 9am PT)