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Constitutional Civil Liberties and Human Rights Law

From programming and advocacy to peer recognition and relevant resources, OBA Section membership connects you with education, engagement and leadership opportunities to propel you to the forefront of your area of practice.

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Resources, Articles, & Advocacy

Legislative Update | October 26, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of October 19

OCJ Practice Direction:  Effective January 1, 2027, all page limits and permissible attachments at the Ontario Court of Justice family and child protection matters are to follow the new guidelines in the Practice Direction, subject to judicial discretion on a case-by-case basis.

News | October 23, 2026

Nominate a deserving colleague for an OBA Award

Each year, the Ontario Bar Association honours individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and accomplishments have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our profession, our association and the broader justice community. These awards shine a light on the people who go above and beyond to strengthen the legal profession, advance access to justice, support their colleagues and build a better justice system.

Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario | October 14, 2026

HRTO: New, More User-friendly Way to Fill Out its Forms

Effective September 28, 2026, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is introducing a new, easier and accessible way to fill out its application and response forms.

Advocacy | October 12, 2026

Your OBA LegUp   Policy and Legislative Update  Week of October 12 

Toronto Written Consent Release Pilot Project: Effective October 19th, the Ontario Court of Justice is beginning a pilot project in Toronto that allows for out of Court written consent release orders to be issued by Judicial Officers for individuals in bail Court, who are seeking a straightforward bail release on consent of the Crown’s office.  

Legislative Update | October 02, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 28

Ontario Judicial Appointments: The Honourable Sean Fraser, announced eight judicial  appointments to the Court of Appeal of Ontario and Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The appointments were done under the judicial application process established in 2016, emphasizing transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population.

Law Society of Ontario | September 29, 2026

LSO – Human Rights Award

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Law Society Human Rights Award and will remain open until Dec. 11, 2026.

Constitutional & Human Rights Law | September 29, 2026

HRTO Forms Modernization

Effective September 28, 2026, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) is introducing a new, easier and accessible way to fill out its application and response forms:

Legislative Update | September 25, 2026

Your OBA LegUp Policy and Legislative Update Week of September 21

Starlink Costs:  Ontario’s new Treasury Board President, Kinga Surma, declined to disclose how much the Ford government spent cancelling its $100 million agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service. When asked, Surma said, “the decision remained with the taxpayer, that was a big component of our election and the people voted to cancel the contract,” explaining that the government will “continue to move forward with [their] broadband strategy.”