Inventory of Reforms

The Cameras in the Court of Appeal Pilot Project (CCAPP) was launched in September 2007. It featured: a 'real-time' webcast on the Court of Appeal website of certain appeal proceedings; recorded appeals archived for a period of ninety days on the Court of Appeal website to allow greater public access; and the provision of DVDs prepared twice daily and made available for accredited media at noon and at the end of day. The CCAPP webcast and archived its final session on November 29, 2007. The evaluation process for the CCAPP is complete. The final report, which was received in spring 2008, will be carefully reviewed by the Ministry.

The pilot project responds to a recommendation made by the Panel on Justice and the Media. In its August 2006 report, the Panel made 17 recommendations on ways to improve mutual understanding between the justice system and the media.

The people of this province will have an opportunity to be eye witnesses to important aspects of the justice system in action. Whether they watch for inspiration, education or even entertainment, they will be observers of a historic process, which is a critical element of our democratic system.

Certain proceedings in Courtroom #1 at the Court of Appeal [were] recorded and streamed live on the Court's Internet website. DVD copies of recorded proceedings [were] distributed to accredited media twice per day on request. They will also be available for use by journalism and law schools and other organizations for educational and training purposes. An audio feed box for reporters is available if audio recordings of proceedings are required. Recorded proceedings [were] archived on the Court's website for 90 days to ensure round-the-clock public access.

While cameras in the courtroom are generally prohibited under Ontario law, they are permitted for educational or instructional purposes, with approval from the presiding judge and consent from the parties and witnesses to the proceeding.