About the Court

The Ontario Court of Justice is one of two trial courts in Ontario (together with the Superior Court of Justice) that make up the Court of Ontario. The Ontario Court of Justice is composed of provincially appointed judges and justices of the peace.

As a “statutory” Court (a Court created by statute), the Ontario Court of Justice has that jurisdiction which is specifically given to it by the laws of Ontario and Canada. In broad terms, the justices of the peace of the Court have jurisdiction with respect to provincial offences, bail hearings and search warrants. Judges of the Court deal with a wide range of family law cases (including child protection, custody, access, support and adoption) as well as the overwhelming majority of criminal charges laid within the province.

More information regarding the jurisdiction, structure and organization of the Ontario Court of Justice can be found in the Court’s Reports.

Opening of the Courts of Ontario for 2009