By James R.G. Cook ( February 21, 2025, 2:15 PM EST) -- The doctrine of absolute privilege is often raised as a defence in defamation claims that involve communications made during the course of legal proceedings. Statements made in pleadings such as a statement of claim or statement of defence are generally shielded from defamation claims on this basis. However, in other cases, it may be less clear whether absolute privilege applies to the statements at issue....