https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-reopening-courtrooms
THE CONDITION OF PROVINCIAL JAILS
“Ontario’s ombudsman said Tuesday that conditions in some of the province’s correctional facilities have left him “shaken,” and contributed to a record of over 6,000 complaints from inmates last year. “It’s heart-wrenching to see the conditions in which those inmates are living,” Dube said. “I was shaken when I left that visit to the Thunder Bay jail.” “Dangerous overcrowding, excessive use of solitary confinement, and lack of life-saving mental health and addiction supports are just a few of the major issues that inmates and staff face every day,”
Ontario Crown attorneys seek to delay return to court over COVID-19 fears – So we will still have to wait to see if the criminal courts are going to open on July 6th.
TO THE YOUNG IMPATIENT LAWYERS – Barristers’ Act section 3(4)
Precedence of other members of the bar
(4) The remaining members of the bar, as among themselves, have precedence in the courts in the order of their call to the bar. R.S.O. 1990, c. B.3, s. 3 (4).
I’ve spent most of my career sitting on the bench waiting for my case to be called. I’ve learned a lot sitting on that bench.
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90b03
COVID-19: RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES – Resuming Court Operations June 25, 2020 – Face masks.
Recovery Secretariat Recovery Planning June 12, 2020 – Hand cleaning, plexiglass, and tape on the floor.
R. v. THERIAULT – If you’re wondering how this could happen.
Yes, it’s long. It took Justice DiLuca 4 hours to read. It’s a process of finding the facts. Determining what you believe and don’t believe of each witness’s testimony. Then determining the relevant law and applying it to the facts. Finally applying the high standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. You may not like the final outcome but in the end, criminal law is a process that doesn’t bend to social pressure.
https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2020/2020onsc3317/2020onsc3317.html?resultIndex=3
Courthouse Precautionary Measures – Video Tour Brampton
I don’t feel reassured, do you? How about when there are hundreds/thousands of people half of whom do not wear masks and won’t practice social distancing. Sorry I’m 20 minutes late, your Honour. I had to wait in line for the elevator.
GUIDEBOOK: RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES – RESUMING COURTS OPERATIONS – June 25, 2020
All you ever wanted to know.
https://yorklaw.ca/resources/Guidebook_Precautionary%20Measures%20for%20Reopening%20Courts_V2.pdf
R vs Theriault et al. – Access to Justice.
Justice DeLuca’s online judgment is being streamed live on YouTube. At this moment 13,813+ observers are “in court”. Amazing.