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.
New Bail Practice Direction, effective June 1, 2026
The Court has issued a new practice direction governing bail hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice, which will come into effect June 1, 2026. The Practice Direction sets out the Court’s expectations for bail proceedings, and in particular addresses: filing materials, time targets for hearings, and identification of complex bail matters. For more information, please see Ontario Court of Justice Practice Direction Regarding Bail Hearings.
Jordan-Compliant Scheduling in Provincial Offences Act Matters Direction, effective March 30, 2026
This direction provides guidance to ensure matters are scheduled within the timelines required by the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Jordan. This replaces the previous scheduling direction (last updated in 2022). For more information see the Jordan-Compliant Scheduling in Provincial Offences Act Matters Direction.
Provincial Offences Act Judicial Pre-Trial Practice Direction, effective March 30, 2026
This direction provides guidance to all participants to facilitate effective use of judicial pre-trials and ultimately to ensure matters proceed efficiently to trial and trial time is used effectively. For more information see the Provincial Offences Act Judicial Pre-Trial Practice Direction.
Appointment of new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective March 26, 2026