The open court principle “is a hallmark of a democratic society.” The Ontario Superior Court of Justice is committed to upholding that principle. Members of the public are welcome to attend and watch Superior Court of Justice proceedings. Whether a court proceeding is in-person or virtual, hearings are open to the public, except in cases where the law requires otherwise, or in the case of virtual hearings subject to the discretion of the presiding judge.
Home Guides & Resources Access to Court Proceedings, Digital Recordings, Transcripts & Court Records Accessing a Court Proceeding
Accessing a Court Proceeding
While many proceedings are conducted in-person within the courthouse, several proceed virtually. Information about the Court’s proceedings can be found on the Daily Court Lists, including case names, the time and place they will be heard, and the reason they are being heard.
How to make a request to attend a virtual hearing
Virtual hearings create unique challenges to ensuring compliance with any legal restrictions on the publication of proceedings, the security of participants and the integrity of the process. The Court must prevent misuse of remote access, which can have serious consequences for participants and for the justice system. Therefore while the public may attend virtual hearings they must do so upon request, which will be determined by the presiding judge.
Members of the public who wish to observe a hearing should contact the courthouse before the hearing to determine if the hearing is being held virtually or in person. To request to attend a virtual hearing, please contact the relevant courthouse, by email, using the subject line, “Virtual Hearing Access Request” and identify the case you want to attend. Include your name in the request. You can locate the contact information for the courthouse and the applicable email address to send your request here: Contact Information for requests to attend a virtual hearing
Members of the public should review the information about attending a court hearing including Rules of courtroom etiquette and other rules applicable to observing a hearing whether in person or virtual including the Use of electronic devices.
The Court recognizes that most members of the public do not observe court proceedings and that, instead, they depend on the news media to inform them about what occurs in the justice system. Accordingly, the Court recognizes the essential role the news media plays when reporting on the courts. The news media ensures that the public has access to accurate information about the justice system and legal decisions affecting their lives.
Like all members of the public, members of the media can find information about the Court’s proceedings on the Daily Court Lists, including case names, the time and place they will be heard, and the reason they are being heard.
Members of the media can also request to be added to the Court’s media distribution list, which will provide them with a daily list of the Court’s proceedings, including the link to any heard by videoconference. Requests to be added to the Court’s media distribution list can be made by following the process outlined here – Media Subscriber List
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