Notice to the Public and Profession for Criminal Proceedings

20/12/2024
  1. Updates to the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice Effective January 6, 2025

As of January 6, 2025, Consolidated Provincial Practice Directions for Criminal Proceedings at the Superior Court of Justice will be updated with the following notable changes:

    1. Case Center files will now be opened to upload procedural documents in child pornography cases. Documents including court forms, the synopsis, the Indictment, notices, motion materials, and factums in cases involving child pornography allegations will be uploaded to Case Center. Materials that could be considered child pornography continue to not be permitted on Case Center. The Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Criminal Proceedings will be amended, under Part I, Section C, “Items that should not be uploaded onto Case Center in Criminal.”
    2. Counsel of record are reminded that they remain counsel for the accused unless an order has been made by a judge under Rule 25 of the Criminal Proceeding Rules removing them. New counsel are required to introduce themselves to the Court as soon as is reasonably practicable to ensure the timely provision of Case Center invitations. Uploading materials to Case Center and complying with filing deadlines in the Criminal Proceedings Rules are mandatory. These reminders are outlined in the Consolidated Provincial Practice Direction for Criminal Proceedings, under Part I, Section C, “Items that should not be uploaded onto Case Center in Criminal.”
  2. Updates to the Trial Readiness Forms (18C1 and 18C2) required by Rule 28.04(31) and (32) of the Criminal Proceeding Rules

The Trial Readiness Forms required by Rule 28.04(31) and (32) of the Criminal Proceeding Rules have been revised to include detailed questions and reminders for counsel. The revised forms are available on the Court’s website.

The Honourable Geoffrey B. Morawetz
Chief Justice, Superior Court of Justice
December 16, 2024

Application Open for Counsel to Join Dispute Resolution Offer (DRO) Panels: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 6, 2025

17/10/2024

The Superior Court of Justice, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Attorney General, is seeking candidates to join DRO panels in Barrie, Brampton, Durham, Hamilton, London, Milton, Newmarket and St. Catharines. 

The DRO program provides family litigants with an early evaluation of their case by an experienced and neutral family lawyer for the purposes of facilitating settlement, narrowing the issues in dispute and assisting to organize the case so that it is ready for judicial intervention, where needed.

Candidates admitted to the panel will receive compensation at the rate of $250.00 per day plus HST. (*This compensation rate is currently under review).

French-speaking or bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Selection criteria include:

  • A minimum of 10 years of experience in the practice of family law
  • Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario as a barrister and solicitor[1].
  • Family law expertise, including negotiation, litigation, and ADR processes, knowledge of family court directions, rules, legislation, and case law.
  • Exceptional problem solving and dispute resolution skills.
  • Leadership in the family justice sector.
  • Familiarity with the court to which you are applying and its family justice participants, including participation in local bench and bar or community liaison committees.

The Application form for admission to the panel is linked here.

Completed Application packages may be submitted by email to: droempanelment@ontario.ca.

The deadline to apply is Monday, January 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. All Applications must be completed in full, including the necessary authorizations and references.  Late or incomplete Applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening will be contacted.

Applicants who require an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code are encouraged to include the request with their application.

[1] Retired lawyers may also apply if, at the time of their retirement, their license was not suspended.  They will be required to maintain insurance for the purpose of participating in the program.

To Top