Norberg v. Wynrib (1992)

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Laura Norberg tried for five years to sue her doctor, who had demanded sexual contact in exchange for the drugs to which she was addicted. The B.C Court of Appeal dismissed her claim saying that she had consented implicitly and voluntarily to the sexual activity.

At the Supreme Court of Canada, LEAF intervened and helped win a landmark decision. The Court ruled that an analysis of sexual assault claims must include an appreciation of any power relationship between the parties, in order to be able to distinguish between voluntary consent and forced submission.

This set an important precedent which puts responsibility on those people who have power not to use it to exploit others.

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Supreme Court of Canada Decision (1992)