Public Access Policy

The Court has a legal obligation to allow public access to non-confidential court proceedings. All non-confidential court proceedings have been open to the public and fully accessible to the participants and the public since March 14, 2022. The Court originally implemented an audio only public access line option, as well as Zoom, as emergency and temporary measures to provide the public with remote access to non-confidential proceedings during the pendency of the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person access to court facilities and proceedings was restricted due to social distancing and other public health measures.

Now that Court proceedings may take place in person, without restriction, the audio only public access line, as well as the use of Zoom for public access, are no longer required. Having the public attend proceedings in person as opposed to remotely helps to (1) ensure that witnesses feel free to testify uninhibited and without interruption; (2) maintain the security of court proceedings against unauthorized recordings and leaks; and (3) ensure the dignity and decorum of the courtroom setting.

There is signage on the courtroom doors which state clearly that non-confidential proceedings are open to the public. Listings of the hearing schedules for each day may be found on the Hearings/Courtroom Listings page.

There are different requirements for members of the media requesting to photograph, record or broadcast court proceedings. Please see the Media  page on the Court’s website for further information.