Do I have a case?

No matter how much you think someone has wronged you, you can only take them to court for specific legal reasons. These reasons are called causes of action. A cause of action is a set of facts that, if proven in court, will entitle the plaintiff to a remedy or damages from the defendant. In Canada, common causes of action include breach a contract, negligence (being careless), trespassing, and defamation.

Not every wrong that occurs will be a reason to go to court. The law is there for disputes that are significant and courts do not hear matters that are negligible. This idea is captured in the Latin phrase: de minimis non curat lex, which means "the law does not concern itself with trifles." This legal doctrine—that courts will not consider trivial matters or disputes over small amounts of damages—allows courts to focus on more serious matters and to prevent the court system from being overloaded with minor cases.

For example, if a person made plans with another to meet and the person who accepted the invitation does not show-up, feelings of embarrassment or humiliation may arise, but they cannot be pursued as legal matter as there is no cause of action.