The open court principle is a right in a democratic society, including in Canada and Ontario. This means that the court is open to public attendance and scrutiny. The main reason is to secure just behaviour of the courts themselves.
Cases before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa are heard at the Elgin Street Courthouse, corner of Elgin and Laurier.
Even though you know the date and time of a hearing, the court does not publish the room number until the morning of the hearing.
To attend a hearing, therefore, you must arrive early at the Courthouse and find out the room number where the hearing will be held. There should be a list of all the day's hearings and room number's at the security desk (in front of the elevators) on the second floor (main Elgin Street entrance level).
Go to the security desk and consult the list to find the room number. For example, room "34" is on the third floor, and so on. If security does not have the list, then ask them when they will get it or how else you can find the room number. You can always go to the "Civil Counter" on the second floor, as they should also have the list for the day's hearings.
You will need to know the name of the case, such as "St. Lewis v. Rancourt". The list also tells you the name of the judge.
Good luck.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
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