Quebec government says new powers for justices of the peace will reduce court delays

Advertisement

Advertise with us

MONTREAL - Quebec's justice minister is giving more responsibility to justices of the peace to free up provincial court judges and reduce delays.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!

As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.

Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.

Subscribe Now

or call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.

Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Brandon Sun access to your Winnipeg Free Press subscription for only

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
  • Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
Start now

No thanks

*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/02/2024 (584 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MONTREAL – Quebec’s justice minister is giving more responsibility to justices of the peace to free up provincial court judges and reduce delays.

Simon Jolin-Barrette says presiding justices of the peace will be given the power to oversee criminal court appearances and bail hearings.

He says the move will liberate 15 to 20 provincial court judges to hear other matters.

Quebec's justice minister says he will increase the powers of justices of the peace to free up provincial court judges and reduce delays. Quebec Government House Leader and Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette responds to reporters' questions prior to question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
Quebec's justice minister says he will increase the powers of justices of the peace to free up provincial court judges and reduce delays. Quebec Government House Leader and Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette responds to reporters' questions prior to question period at the legislature in Quebec City, Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Presiding justices of the peace oversee penal cases related to Quebec laws and certain federal statutes and are responsible for issuing warrants.

Jolin-Barrette says he wants to reduce the number of cases that are dropped because they fail to meet deadlines set by the Supreme Court of Canada in a landmark 2016 ruling known as the Jordan decision.

He says the province will use video conferencing more frequently, allowing judges and court officials who are not necessarily in the same city as the accused to oversee appearances on criminal matters.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 12, 2024.

Report Error Submit a Tip

National

LOAD MORE