Windsor Courthouse – Windsor, ON

Windsor Courthouse

The Windsor Courthouse, situated at 200 Chatham Street East in the city’s downtown core, is the primary judicial facility for the Ontario Court of Justice in the West Region. While often referred to generically as the ‘Windsor Courthouse’, this specific building is dedicated to criminal and youth justice matters. It is distinct from the Superior Court of Justice located nearby on Windsor Avenue. This facility is a hub of legal activity, housing courtrooms, judges’ chambers, the Crown Attorney’s office, and administrative counters where the daily administration of criminal law takes place.

Court Functions and Services

This courthouse manages the intake and processing of criminal charges for Windsor and Essex County. Key functions include:

• Criminal Courts: Handling bail hearings, plea courts, and trials for offences under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
• Youth Court: Adjudicating matters involving young persons aged 12 to 17 under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Mental Health Court: A specialized court designed to support accused individuals with mental health issues, focusing on treatment and diversion where appropriate.

Visitor Protocols

Access to the Windsor Courthouse is strictly controlled. All entrants, including the public, witnesses, and accused persons, must pass through airport-style security screening. Prohibited items include any potential weapons, tools, and recording devices. Inside, the environment is formal; business attire is recommended, and silence is required in courtrooms. The administrative counters, open during specific weekday hours, allow for the payment of restitution, signing of bail documents, and filing of court papers. Legal Aid Ontario also maintains a presence (Duty Counsel) to assist eligible individuals who do not have their own lawyer.