LES IMPACTS PSYCHOLOGIQUES DES EXCUSES ET LEUR PROTECTION EN DROIT CIVIL QUEBECOIS

Abstract

Apologies are everywhere. Sometimes they’re public, sometimes they’re private; they may be made by nations, corporations, organizations or individuals. Psychologists broadly agree that a sincere apology can yield many benefits, but only if certain conditions are met. Accordingly, an effective and believable apology can play a key role in conflict or dispute resolution and the settling of court cases, and make our justice system more human and accessible. Given the current situation, namely a lack of full legal protection and fear of legal consequences, in either judicial or non-judicial settings (under a trial, a negotiation or a mediation for example), Quebec’s adoption of an Apology Act as most Canadian provinces and some countries have done, would go a long way towards improving the situation.