Jurisdiction

The history of the Superior Court in Ontario dates back to 1790.

Together, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice presently constitute the two trial courts in Ontario.

The Superior Court of Justice is a “superior court” of general jurisdiction. It has jurisdiction over matters granted to it by federal and provincial statutes. The Superior Court also has an "inherent" jurisdiction arising from Ontario's common law traditions. For example, the Superior Court’s “inherent” jurisdiction gives it authority to hear any matter not specifically assigned to another level of court. As well, the Superior Court is the court of first appeal with respect to criminal cases arising in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Public Access to Superior Court of Justice of Ontario

During business hours, the courts are generally open to the public. In exceptional circumstances, the court may be closed to the public where, for example, a judge deems it in the interests of justice.