How are judges chosen in Ontario?

Asked by: Marjorie Harber Jr.  |  Last update: July 19, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (20 votes)

The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee meets to select candidates for interviews from the short list. After reference checks, confidential inquiries and interviews, the Committee sends a ranked list of its recommendations to the Attorney General, who is required to make the appointment from that list.

How are Canadian judges selected?

The Supreme Court of Canada consists of nine judges, including a chief justice to be called the Chief Justice of Canada. All judges are appointed by the Governor in Council and must have been either a judge of a superior court or a member of at least ten years' standing of the bar of a province or territory.

Who elects Canadian judges?

The federal government appoints the judges of the Supreme Court of Canada, federal courts, and provincial and territorial superior courts, while the provincial and territorial governments appoint provincial and territorial court judges. Federally appointed judges may remain in office until the age of 75.

How are provincial court judges appointed in Canada?

Appointment Process

The provincial Attorney General selects from the candidates approved by Judicial Council and makes recommendations to Cabinet. Candidates for appointment as a judge must have at least ten years experience in the practice of law (working as a lawyer) or a range of related experience.

Do you have to be a lawyer to be a judge in Canada?

Practice law

Once you become a lawyer, you practice law for at least five years before you can become a judge. To work in a superior provincial court or Supreme Court, you need a minimum of 10 years of experience as a lawyer.

How do US Supreme Court justices get appointed? - Peter Paccone

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What do lawyers call judges in Canada?

Counsel are asked to refrain from addressing the judges as "My Lord", "My Lady", "Your Lordship," or "Your Ladyship." In writing, the Chief Justice is addressed as "The Right Honourable" and the other judges are addressed as "The Honourable Madame Justice" or as "The Honourable Mr. Justice".

How much is a judge paid in Canada?

Judge Salaries in Canada

The average salary for Judge is $52,707 per year in the Canada. The average additional cash compensation for a Judge in the Canada is $9,553, with a range from $2,453 - $37,200. Salaries estimates are based on 5395 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Judge employees in Canada.

What do you call a judge in Canada?

If you are addressing a judge or associate judge of the Superior Court of Justice, you should call him or her “Your Honour” or “Justice/Associate Justice (last name)”. Deputy judges should be called “Your Honour”. Please do not lean on the chair in front of you or put your feet on the chairs.

Are judges independent in Canada?

To guarantee the right to an independent and impartial judiciary, the law in Canada has constitutional protections or "essential conditions" that ensure judicial independence. These are security of tenure, financial security, and administrative independence. Security of tenure prevents the arbitrary removal of judges.

What are the different types of judges in Canada?

Canadian Judges

Provincial court judges in Canada are appointed by the provincial governments while federal judges, appeals court judges, and Supreme Court judges are appointed by the federal government.

Why are judges not elected in Canada?

Our Constitution exists above that of politics and subjecting the judges to elections and politicizing them will only taint the Constitution's reputation. Due to the negative impact on judges and the court system listed above Canada cannot allow our judiciary to be subject to elections.

How long are judges appointed for in Canada?

Once appointed, a judge is eligible to serve on the bench until retirement (age 75 for federally appointed judges, age 70 in some provincial/territorial jurisdictions).

How many judges are in Ontario?

The Superior Court sits in 52 locations across Ontario and its complement of over 300 federally appointed judges serves millions of people throughout the province.

How does the judicial system work in Canada?

The federal government appoints and pays judges for the superior courts in each province, as well as judges at the federal level. It is also responsible for the administration of the Supreme Court of Canada and federally created courts. Most disputes are settled before they are heard by a judge.

What is the average age of judges in Canada?

Judges were clearly the oldest group with a median age of 58 years. This situation is due to the fact that the duties performed by judges require extensive experience in the legal system and a reputation which is usually acquired after many years of practice.

Who appoints judges in Ontario?

In addition to seven (7) lay members who are appointed by the Attorney General, two (2) judges are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Ontario Court of Justice, one (1) member is appointed by the Ontario Judicial Council and three (3) from the legal community are appointed by the Attorney General from lists of three ...

Does Canada have a judge or jury?

Trial by jury

Most civil cases in Canada are tried by judges without a jury. However, anyone charged with a criminal offence for which there can be a prison sentence of five years or more has the right to a trial by jury.

Do you call a judge your Honour in Canada?

The proper designation of a Provincial Court Judge is "Your Honour".

What do you call a female judge?

How to Address a Judge. In person: In an interview, social event, or in court, address a judge as “Your Honor” or “Judge [last name].” If you are more familiar with the judge, you may call her just “Judge.” In any context, avoid “Sir” or “Ma'am.”

Are judges called your majesty in Canada?

Judges of the Supreme Court of Canada and of the federal-level courts prefer the use of "Mister/Madam (Chief) Justice". Justices of the Peace are addressed as "Your Worship".

What state has the highest paid judge?

The highest paid general jurisdiction judges, according to the 2023 report, were in Washington D.C. with an average salary of $232,600, followed by California at $231,174 and Illinois at $223,219.

Who is the highest rank judge in Canada?

The Right Honourable Richard Wagner is the 18th Chief Justice of Canada. In this role, he presides over the Canadian Judicial CouncilCanadian Judicial Council, National Judicial InstituteNational Judicial Institute and chairs the Advisory Council for the Order of CanadaAdvisory Council for the Order of Canada.

Who is the highest paid judge in the country?

The Supreme Court

Hell yeah it does. The yearly salary of a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court pays $280,500 a year, with the associate justices making $268,300 — with their salaries being public record as they come out of tax dollars.