2009 Annual Report of Ontario Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal for Ontario released its first ever annual report in late June.

In his opening comments, The Honourable Warren K. Winkler, Chief Justice of Ontario, writes:

"The open court concept is fundamental to our justice system. It is the driving force behind the provision of public access to judicial proceedings, court information and reasons for judgment, as well as the availability of court proceedings in both official languages. An open and transparent justice system promotes public confdence in the day-to-day events that transpire in our courts. It is a cherished principle within our vibrant, democratic society."

"In recognition of the need to be open, accountable and fair, the Court of Appeal for Ontario has taken a number of positive steps over the last year to enhance its services and increase opportunities for the public to better understand what is happening in our Court. From supporting the successful duty counsel and pro bono programmes, to working more effectively with the media and proactively sharing information about court sittings and decisions, the Court of Appeal is seeking ways to better serve the public and promote an accessible justice system."

"To this end, the Court of Appeal for Ontario is pleased to present its first Annual Report."

The Toronto Star crunched some of the statistics in the annual report: One in three Ontario criminal verdicts overturned - New report shows family and civil appeals less successful and more people without lawyers (July 5, 2010).