In a dispute, have you ever refused to apologize for fear of directly or indirectly admitting fault? Yet sometimes an apology is all the other In a dispute, have you ever refused to apologize for fear of directly or indirectly admitting fault? Yet sometimes an apology is all the other party needs to settle the disagreement.

It is in this context that, since 2020, the Civil Code of Québec has provided an answer to this dilemma: apologizing does not mean admitting fault!

Avant toute chose, qu’est-ce qu’une excuse?

Under the law, an apology includes any expression of sympathy or regret, whether expressed directly or indirectly. It can be very clear, such as “I apologize for the situation” or “I am sorry about what happened,” or it can be conveyed subtly in a sentence such as “I imagine this situation must be difficult for you.”

An apology is not an admission

Whatever form it takes, an apology does not constitute an admission. Furthermore, it cannot be admitted into evidence or affect the determination of your fault or liability.

In summary, if you have been hesitant to apologize for fear that your words might be used against you, know that the law protects you!