Overview
- The Ontario Court of Justice’s new interim policy mandates prior approval from the presiding judge or justice of the peace for all public observers of virtual lower court proceedings.
- The policy, introduced to stem a recent wave of ‘Zoom bombings,’ explicitly excludes hearings in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
- Accessibility advocates warn that requiring in-person attendance could bar those with disabilities or limited transportation options from observing cases.
- Observers report that courts across the province are applying the authorization rules inconsistently, ranging from outright bans to identity verification in waiting rooms.
- A separate request process remains for victims and complainants through local Crown attorney offices and victim witness assistance programs.