One of the most common practical questions after being charged is simple: which courthouse does this matter belong to, and how is Ontario's court system organized? This page explains, in general terms, the structure of Ontario's criminal courts. For actual courthouse addresses and phone numbers, see our Ontario Criminal Court Locations directory, which covers major cities and regions across the province, or the official directories linked below for a complete, up-to-date listing.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for reading your own release documents or court paperwork carefully, since those documents are the most reliable source for exactly which courthouse and courtroom your matter has been assigned to.
Ontario's Two Criminal Trial Courts
Criminal matters in Ontario are generally handled by one of two trial courts: the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. Both courts hear criminal cases, but they play different roles, and understanding the general difference helps make sense of court paperwork and conversations about where a case is headed.
Neither court is "higher" than the other in the sense of one simply being an appeal court for the other in criminal matters; rather, they generally handle different types of criminal cases at the trial level, based largely on how serious the alleged offence is and whether it proceeds as a summary conviction, indictable, or hybrid offence.
The Ontario Court of Justice
The Ontario Court of Justice is a provincial court that handles the large majority of criminal matters in Ontario, including most summary conviction offences, most hybrid offences, and many less serious indictable offences. It is also generally where all bail hearings take place, regardless of how serious the underlying charge is or which court will ultimately deal with the offence itself.
Trials in the Ontario Court of Justice are decided by a judge alone; there is no jury option in this court. Given the very high volume of criminal matters that pass through it, most people charged with a criminal offence in Ontario will have at least some part of their case, such as a first appearance or a bail hearing, dealt with in the Ontario Court of Justice.
The Superior Court of Justice
The Superior Court of Justice generally deals with the most serious indictable matters and is the only court in the criminal system where a person can choose to have a trial before a judge and jury. Not every indictable offence automatically ends up here; for many indictable offences, an accused person has an election, meaning a choice, about whether to be tried in the Ontario Court of Justice or the Superior Court of Justice, while the most serious offences are generally required to proceed in the Superior Court.
Cases in the Superior Court of Justice often involve additional pretrial steps not typically seen in the Ontario Court of Justice, reflecting the generally greater complexity and seriousness of matters heard there. A lawyer can explain what these additional steps mean for a specific case and what to expect at each stage.
How a Case Ends Up in One Court or the Other
Which court ultimately deals with a case generally depends on how the offence is classified and, for many indictable offences, on the accused person's own election. Summary conviction and most hybrid offences are generally dealt with in the Ontario Court of Justice. More serious indictable offences may allow an election between the two courts, while a small number of the most serious offences are generally required to be tried in the Superior Court of Justice.
Because these classifications and rules can be detailed and vary by offence, and because an election can have significant strategic implications, this is an area where advice from a lawyer about the specific charge is particularly valuable, rather than relying on general rules alone.
Regardless of which court a case is ultimately headed to, bail hearings are generally held in the Ontario Court of Justice. If you have just been arrested, see our guide on arrest and release for more on that process.
How to Find Your Specific Courthouse
The most reliable way to find out exactly which courthouse a specific matter has been assigned to is to look at your own release documents or court paperwork, such as an appearance notice, promise to appear, or summons, which will generally name the courthouse and, often, the specific courtroom and time. If a lawyer or duty counsel has already been involved, they will generally also have this information on file.
For a list of specific courthouse names, addresses, and phone numbers, see our Ontario Criminal Court Locations directory, which covers major cities and regions across the province. Since court information can change and this directory does not yet cover every smaller community, also use the official directories below, which are maintained directly by the courts themselves.
Official Court Directories
The Ontario Court of Justice maintains its own website with a directory of court locations and contact information, generally organized by region and community. The Superior Court of Justice similarly maintains its own official website with a directory of its own locations. Searching for "Ontario Court of Justice" or "Superior Court of Justice" alongside the name of the relevant city or region will generally lead to the correct official page.
When looking up a courthouse online, it is worth double-checking that the source is an official court website rather than a third-party listing, since contact information and hours can sometimes be outdated on non-official sites. The court paperwork you have already received is still generally the most reliable single source for confirming exactly where your own matter is being heard.
If You Are Still Unsure Where to Go
If court documents are unclear, lost, or seem inconsistent, contacting a lawyer, duty counsel, or the courthouse directly, using contact information from the official court website, is generally the safest way to confirm the correct location before an important date. Showing up at the wrong courthouse, or missing a date because of confusion about location, can create unnecessary complications, including consequences related to a missed court appearance.
It is also worth remembering that a case can sometimes move between locations or courtrooms as it proceeds, particularly if it moves from the Ontario Court of Justice toward the Superior Court of Justice. Checking the most recent paperwork, rather than relying on an earlier document, is generally the safest approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which courthouse my case is at?
Your release documents or court paperwork, such as an appearance notice, promise to appear, or summons, will generally state the courthouse. A lawyer or duty counsel involved in your case will also generally have this information.
Is the Ontario Court of Justice the same as the Superior Court of Justice?
No, they are two separate trial courts. The Ontario Court of Justice handles most criminal matters and all bail hearings, while the Superior Court of Justice handles the most serious indictable matters and jury trials.
Can I choose which court hears my case?
For many indictable offences, an accused person has an election between the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, though the most serious offences generally must proceed in the Superior Court. A lawyer can explain the options for a specific charge.
Where do bail hearings take place?
Bail hearings are generally held in the Ontario Court of Justice, regardless of which court will ultimately deal with the underlying charge.
Where can I find specific courthouse addresses and phone numbers?
See our Ontario Criminal Court Locations directory for addresses and phone numbers covering major cities and regions across the province, or the official Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice websites for a complete, up-to-date listing of every courthouse.
Can jury trials happen in the Ontario Court of Justice?
No. Trials in the Ontario Court of Justice are decided by a judge alone. A jury trial is only available in the Superior Court of Justice.
What should I do if I'm not sure I'm at the right courthouse?
Contact court staff, a lawyer, or duty counsel as soon as possible, ideally before your scheduled date, using contact information from the official court website rather than a third-party listing.