Justices Of The Peace – Toronto, ON

Justices of the Peace – Old City Hall

The Justices of the Peace office at Old City Hall in Toronto is a fundamental entry point into the justice system. Located in one of the city’s most historic landmarks, this office handles a wide variety of judicial matters, primarily focusing on provincial offences and the intake of criminal proceedings. ⚖️🏛️

Core Functions

Justices of the Peace (JPs) are judicial officers who preside over various hearings, including:

• Bail Hearings: Determining if an accused person can be released from custody pending trial.
• Intake Court: Reviewing and signing criminal informations and search warrants brought by police.
• Provincial Offences: Presiding over trials for traffic violations, by-law infractions, and other non-criminal charges.
• Peace Bonds: Considering applications for peace bonds in situations of personal safety concerns.

Visiting Old City Hall

Old City Hall is a busy court facility. Visitors must pass through strict security screening. Electronic devices are often restricted or must be silenced. If you are attending to speak with a Justice of the Peace for an intake matter or to sign a surety for bail, ensure you have valid government identification and all necessary documents. 🆔🛂

Services Note

While the building houses many courtrooms, the Justice of the Peace intake office specifically manages the administrative judicial acts required to move cases forward. It is distinct from the Superior Court judges’ chambers.