The judges and the justices of the peace of the Court preside over adult criminal, youth criminal, family law, child welfare, and provincial offences matters.
Criminal cases where charges are laid under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act and other federal statutes
Family cases, including child protection, adoption, cases involving decision-making responsibility, parenting time, contact, and support cases.
All cases laid under provincial legislation, including traffic offences, by-law offences and offences against environmental, health and safety, and employment standards legislation.
Written Consent Release Pilot Project Practice Direction, effective December 1, 2025
Effective December 1, 2025, the Ontario Court of Justice is beginning a pilot project that allows for out of Court written consent releases to be issued by Judicial Officers for individuals in bail Court or case management Court, who are seeking a straightforward bail release on consent of the Crown’s office. For more information, see the Written Consent Release Pilot Project Practice Direction.
North Bay Courthouse Streamlined Case Management Pilot Project Protocol, effective November 4, 2025
Effective November 4, 2025, the Ontario Court of Justice – North Bay is beginning a Streamlined Case Management Pilot Project. The goal of streamlined case management is to create a more user-friendly and people-focused case management phase, in which administrative steps are conducted outside of the courtroom. For more information see the North Bay Streaming Protocol.
Practice Direction regarding filing documents electronically in Toronto, effective October 14, 2025
Effective October 14, 2025, counsel and parties in family law and child protection cases in Toronto (47 Sheppard Avenue East or 311 Jarvis Street) are expected to file or request issuance of their documents electronically through the Ontario Courts Public Portal (Portal). The Public Portal replaces Justice Services Online, which will no longer be available for filings in Toronto as of October 3, 2025. For more information, please see Practice Direction regarding filing documents electronically in Toronto through the Ontario Courts Public Portal.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Tuesday September 30th, 2025 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day to reflect on the tragic legacy of the residential school system and the ways it continues to affect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It is a day to mourn the children who did not return from residential school and to honour the survivors, their families, and the resilience of their communities.
On Tuesday September 30, 2025, the Ontario Court of Justice will be operating as follows: