Juvenile and Family Courts - existed from 1910 to 1968
Provincial Court (Family Division) - existed from 1968 to 1989
These courts existed in all counties and districts. They dealt with criminal and civil
issues including juvenile delinquents (later known as young offenders), as well as
various domestic and family law matters (excluding divorces).
Unified Family Court - existed from 1977 to 1994
Court of Justice (General Division). Family Court - exists since 1994
The Unified Family Court was created in 1977 in the Judicial District of Hamilton-
Wentworth. It dealt with all criminal and civil family law issues, including young
offenders. In 1994, it was replaced with the Family Court, which is part of the Ontario
Court of Justice. The Family Court exists in parts of the province; elsewhere, family law
responsibilities are divided between the Ontario Court of Justice (including young
offenders) and the Superior Court of Justice.
Courts of superior jurisdiction
Court of Queen’s (or King’s) Bench - existed from 1794 to 1881
Court of Common Pleas - existed from 1849 to 1881
Common Pleas Division - existed from 1881 to 1913
Queen’s Bench Division - existed from 1881 to 1913
High Court of Justice - existed from 1881 to 1989
Supreme Court (Ontario) - existed from 1881 to 1989
These courts had jurisdiction over all criminal offences, but they primarily dealt with
major indictable offenses, such as murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, and fraud.
They also dealt with the most important civil cases. These courts were based in
Toronto. Four times a year, judges and court personnel travelled to various locations in
Ontario to hold sittings known as “assizes”.
Superior Court of Justice - exists since 1989 (called the Ontario Court of Justice,
General Division until 1999)
This court has locations throughout the province. It deals with major criminal issues,
most civil issues, and some family issues.
Court of Appeal - exists since 1794
This court hears appeals of both criminal and civil decisions from other courts. Case
files from this court are very detailed and may include full transcripts of the original trial.
3.2 Types of court records
See below for information about the main types of records created by the court when
dealing with both criminal and civil cases.
To access these records, you will first need to search the procedure books or indexes to
get the case year and file number. Please note: Many procedure books, indexes,
judgment books and order books are still with the courthouse that created them. In