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Law experts, observers raise questions as Ontario adds virtual courtroom restrictions

Published Jul 25, 2025 at 6:03pm

The Canadian Press
By
The Canadian Press
Law experts, observers raise questions as Ontario adds virtual courtroom restrictions

The Ontario Court of Justice is pictured in Toronto on Sept. 14, 2018. A new policy by the Ontario Court of Justice restricts observers from attending courts virtually unless they receive prior authorization. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

Ontario's lower courts are introducing restrictions on who can attend proceedings virtually after what they describe as an escalation of interruptions, a move that law experts and observers say raises questions about transparency.

The Ontario Court of Justice released a new policy last week that would stop observers from accessing court proceedings online unless they receive authorization from the judge or justice of peace overseeing the case.

Those interested in attending court cases are encouraged to show up in person, the policy says. It does not apply to proceedings at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

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