You can also consult this tutorial on KeyCite.
*This method is imprecise and should only be used when the other methods do not work. It is best for new cases that may not yet have their judicial treatment entered into Keycite or for unreported cases that may be mentioned in other cases but are not themselves available on WestlawNext Canada or Westlaw Edge Canada.*
The following symbols give an indication of the impact subsequent decisions have had on it:
The case may not be good law: the decision has been reversed or has not been followed within the same jurisdiction or by the SCC.
The decision has some negative history or treatment but has not been reversed or overruled.
A yellow flag is also displayed if a treatment has been recently added, and has not yet been editorially analysed.
The decision has some direct history but it is not known to be negative history.
The decision has no direct history, but there are treating cases or other citing references to the decision.
(from WestlawNext Canada)
The following terms are used to classify how a subsequent case relates to the case being noted up:
Recently Added - Cited case discussed in decision(s) recently added to the service. (Temporary designation)
Followed - Principle of law in cited case adopted or decider's reasoning applied.
Distinguished - Cited case inapplicable because of difference in facts or law.
Not Followed - Cited case expressly overruled, not applied or judged to be bad law. Some consideration given to cited case.
Considered - Some consideration given to cited case.
Referred To - Cited case being referred to without comment.
(from WestlawNext Canada)
WestlawNext Canada and Westlaw Edge Canada outline the case's history with a graphic view to illustrate the case's progress through court levels.