Overview

In Ontario, there are two Councils that have the authority to investigate complaints about the conduct of provincial judicial officers of the Ontario Court of Justice. The Council that you would send your complaint to depends upon whether your concern is about the conduct of a provincial judge or a justice of the peace.

Complaint about a Provincial Judge: The Ontario Judicial Council

The Ontario Judicial Council is an independent body and separate from the Ontario Court of Justice, and was established by the Province of Ontario under the Courts of Justice Act. The Judicial Council serves many functions, but its main role is to investigate complaints about the conduct of provincially appointed judges. The Council is made up of judges, lawyers and community members. The Council does not have the power to interfere with or change a judge’s decision on a case. Only a court can change a judge’s decision.

Complaint about a Justice of the Peace: The Justices of the Peace Review Council

The Justices of the Peace Review Council is an independent body and separate from the Ontario Court of Justice, and was established by the Province of Ontario under the Justices of the Peace Act. The Review Council serves many functions, but its main role is to investigate complaints about conduct of justices of the peace. The Council is made up of judges, justices of the peace, a lawyer and community members. The Council does not have the power to interfere with or change a justice of the peace’s decision on a case. Only a court can change a justice of the peace’s decision.