Although your court appearance may occur virtually, the expectations and requirements are that participants must conduct themselves with the same professional behaviour as if they were physically in the courtroom.
Please review the Ontario Court of Justice's Remote Appearance Code of Conduct and Interim Observer Policy.
Guidelines for virtual court participation
- Participants should join the Zoom meeting at least ten minutes before their scheduled court appearance.
- When signing into the meeting, participants’ are to sign in using their legal first and last name.
- Participants should ensure their camera is on when entering the virtual courtroom.
- Participants must ensure their devices microphone is muted until their matter is called by the court.
- Participants are to join the meeting dressed appropriately for a court appearance in a private, well-lit, quiet space.
- Participants should ensure their device is connected to the Internet or a Wi-Fi hotspot, fully charged or connected to a power source.
- Those participating by telephone should not use speakerphone or put the call on hold (as it may produce disruptive sounds). A landline is better than a cell phone.
Please review the Ontario Court of Justice's Zoom User Guide for additional information.