Criminal Justice

Ontario Court of Justice | April 09, 2026

Ontario Court of Justice – Expanded Surety Declaration Pilot Project Protocol 

Effective April 13, 2026, the Court is beginning a pilot project across ten locations that allows parties to use an “Expanded Surety Declaration” (instead of the existing Form 12 Surety Declaration). The Expanded Surety Declaration sets out more detailed information for the Court about a proposed surety and is aimed at reducing parties’ reliance on viva voce evidence from proposed sureties in bail hearings.

Court of Appeal for Ontario | March 31, 2026

Ontario Court of Appeal – Notice to the Profession and Public: Court Expectations on Single Judge Motions

The Court of Appeal has issued a Notice to the Profession and Public on the Court’s expectations on single-judge motions. The Criminal and Civil Practice Directions have been amended accordingly.  

Ontario Court of Justice | March 31, 2026

Ontario Court of Justice – Jordan-Compliant Scheduling in Provincial Offences Act Matters Direction

Effective March 30, 2026, this direction provides guidance to ensure matters are scheduled within the timelines required by the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Jordan. This replaces the previous scheduling direction (last updated in 2022). 

Ontario Court of Justice | March 31, 2026

Ontario Court of Justice – Bail Hearings Practice Directions  

Effective June 1, 2026, the Court has issued a new practice direction governing bail hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice. The Practice Direction sets out the Court’s expectations for bail proceedings, and in particular addresses: filing materials, time targets for hearings, and identification of complex bail matters.

Advocacy | March 27, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of March 23