Introduction
This Protocol governs criminal Regional Assignment Court in the Superior Court of Justice in the Central East Region, until further notice. The Protocol is subject to change from time to time as may be necessary.
Changes to the Regional Assignment Court
A few months ago, the Superior Court in the Central East Region transitioned to a Regional Assignment Court replacing the individual Assignment Court that each courthouse had held for many years. That change was designed to encourage counsel to discuss with the Court at an earlier opportunity any possible re-elections and any potential resolutions.
While the change to a Regional Assignment Court was relatively recent, it has not yielded the results as anticipated.
As a result, the Superior Court in Central East will revert to the previous system of a local Assignment Court for each courthouse.
The Assignment Courts will be as follows:
Oshawa – Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.
Newmarket – Thursdays at 9.30 a.m.
Barrie and Bracebridge – Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.
Tri-County (Cobourg, Lindsay, and Peterborough) – Friday at 9:30 a.m.
This change in the Assignment Court for all criminal matters shall become effective May 1, 2024.
Counsel are encouraged to let the Court know prior to an Assignment Court of any potential changes including but not limited to the possibility of re-election, plea of guilty or a withdrawal of charges. Arrangements can always be made on relatively short notice through the local Trial Coordinator for judicial pre-trial to further those discussions.
Counsel must note that gowning is mandatory for Assignment Court, whether it is conducted virtually or in person.
Date: April 15, 2024
Justice Mark L. Edwards
Regional Senior Judge
Superior Court of Justice,
Central East Region