THE COUNTY JUDGE IN ONTARIO

Abstract

As part one of a two-part discussion on the country judge in Ontario, this article addresses the need to ensure that the machinery of justice remains suitable to the times, is simple, usable and not too expensive. As a basis for the suggestion that reform might begin at the county court level, part one offers a panoramic view of the legal system falling under the jurisdiction of the county court judge in Ontario. First the author addresses county court judges’ status and functions generally, the jurisdiction of the county court, and the judge’s powers as persona designata. She then discusses the courts’ jurisdiction in criminal matters and examines judges’ jurisdiction in the division court and surrogate court, and as local judge of the High Court and local master.