Operations Update 

I was part of a lengthy and detailed operations meeting this morning by phone,  with all relevant stakeholders, to discuss virtual courthouse operations to date.  Many issues were canvassed and discussed in detail, and I anticipate updates with respect to the concerns raised in the near future.

Use of Zoom Preferred 

Counsel are asked to "call in" to court over zoom as opposed to calling in by telephone.  Zoom allows Counsel’s name to be visible to the host and administrators, so that it is known that counsel is present.  In addition, it does not involve the disruptive aspect of announcing each time someone calls in or disconnects.  While using zoom, counsel are asked to type in their full name, and indicate that they are counsel. 

Waiting Rooms versus All In Court 

Another issue concerns the different modes of granting access to the virtual courts. There are two options, namely the use of waiting rooms with counsel let in individually when their case is called, or, letting all in at once when court begins.

The option of allowing all in is generally preferred by crown and defense. Not only are counsel then able to follow and be aware of how the particular court is running,  but also supports the principles of open courts. 

In addition there is universal support amongst counsel that crowns in court be given some degree of hosting or access, so that crowns can let counsel in and properly utilize the virtual sign in sheets. 

Duty Counsel Assistance In Virtual Courts

With respect to Duty Counsel being virtually present in courtrooms, a duty counsel lawyer is assigned to all relevant courtrooms.  However the concern with having a Duty Counsel lawyer sitting all day on zoom in their assigned courtroom concerns the inability of that lawyer from doing other matters or providing assistance to others while on the courtroom zoom.  Duty counsel may consider providing a duty counsel lawyer on zoom while the court is in session to determine whether this is effective.

Newmarket Virtual Case Management Court –  Scheduling and Connection Details

https://yorklaw.ca/EmailTracker/LinkTracker.ashx?linkAndRecipientCode=IazMX7pZCp9V+sgUowBTyQhzDNHDLwiafrmxED/t4lU5QNYCT8c5ceyKIujNcqULYfypJiiSDEWtCmn81ZUOQENhnK15e+4WfOXgr3Ee8lo=

Virtual Sign Up Sheets

201 List  (being heard in 101 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EdzuGagMivlBvRxHYE5Wp-oBpc6tzAp63HnHmqGgLuHFCA

102 List (being heard in 106 Court)

https://cla365admin-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/cla_cla365admin_onmicrosoft_com/EfKen4c-pjJAuZBtXgGIFJEBNsJIoQsTg_D1xZH6TPPGnA

Sincerely,

Norman Panzica

York Director, Criminal Lawyers Association