Ontario announces courtroom cancellations amidst pandemic

The Ontario Court of Justice has announced that it will be establishing procedures "to reduce the number of people who attend court," per a statement released Sunday.

ADVERTISEMENT
Image
Roberto Wakerell-Cruz Montreal QC
ADVERTISEMENT

The Ontario Court of Justice has announced that it will be establishing procedures "to reduce the number of people who attend court," per a statement released Sunday.

It states that the Courts will be following the recommendations from public health officials regarding the reduction of large crowds, or crowded spaces and events, to help curb out the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, which at time of writing has spread to over 115 countries.

"The Ontario Court of Justice is committed to ensuring that those with urgent matters continue to have meaningful access to the court," the statement reassured.

The statement goes on to say that as of March 16, those who were to appear in court on charges related to the Provincial Offences Act, family, or criminal court, do not need to attend court, "unless the matter is an in-custody or urgent criminal matter or an urgent family matter."

Similar precautions have already been rolled out in states such as Alabama, which has suspended most of their Supreme Court hearings, and in New Jersey. The United States Supreme Court has also suspended oral arguments.

Ontario reassures that criminal courts will remain open, and that "the court is committed to ensuring that, wherever possible, criminal matters involving accused persons who are in custody (including bail matters) that are ready to proceed, are able to proceed."

However, if you are not in custody and have a criminal court appearance in the Ontario Court of Justice between Monday March 16 and Friday April 3, you do not need to attend court.

Family courts will also remain open.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Join and support independent free thinkers!

We’re independent and can’t be cancelled. The establishment media is increasingly dedicated to divisive cancel culture, corporate wokeism, and political correctness, all while covering up corruption from the corridors of power. The need for fact-based journalism and thoughtful analysis has never been greater. When you support The Post Millennial, you support freedom of the press at a time when it's under direct attack. Join the ranks of independent, free thinkers by supporting us today for as little as $1.

Support The Post Millennial

Remind me next month

To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 The Post Millennial, Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information