Stanley Cup Rioters may face civil lawsuits from businesses

After the infamous riot following Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in Vancouver, local businesses in Downtown Vancouver are looking to sue the rioters for damages. London Drugs, who suffered $350,000 in damages and $400,000 in looted goods, is planning to sue eight rioters in small claims court. Powell, CEO of London Drugs, realizes that the store has been reimbursed through insurance, but wants to put out the message that you can't take a community hostage. The money that may be won from the lawsuit will be paid back to its insurance company. Currently, many rioters have not been ordered to pay, some only needing to pay a standard $100 charge for "victim surcharge levy." As this surcharge is up to the judge's discretion, only one third of all rioters were forced to pay. Powell believes that his chances are good that he will win the lawsuit, and urges other businesses to join in and sue the rioters, especially if they are already convicted.

This relates to Law 12 as it focuses on civil lawsuits and the small claims court. As we learned in class, the small claims court is used for civil cases that are under $25,000. In small claims court, you do not need someone to represent you, such as a lawyer. By using small claims court, this shows that the damages are under $25,000 and costs will be lower for the rioters who will be the defendants.

Source: The Province