Role of the Court

The Canadian Judicial System

Court Building

Creation and Beginnings of the Court

Judges of the Court

Administration of the Court

Supreme Court of Canada Mission and Objectives

SCC Bibliography

Employment Opportunities

Client Satisfaction - Registry Branch

Planning Documents

Performance Reports

Proactive Disclosure

About the Court

Courtroom Modernization

This page will provide up-to-date information on the Supreme Court of Canada’s modernization initiatives, including the future development of a web-based portal for electronic filing of appeal documents and webcasting of hearings.

The foundation for electronic hearings was laid in the Summer of 2007 with the installation of new audio-visual information technology equipment, an accessible lectern and wireless internet connections for counsel. Display screens for counsel and media will be added in the Spring of 2008. You can view a virtual tour of the new Courtroom as it will look by the Fall of 2008.

Furniture

View image details
of new bench

• bench desktops are new
• counsel tables, court clerk's desk, lectern and law clerk chairs are new
• media and law clerk tables have been refurbished
• balustrades and walls have been refurbished
• all furniture in the AV and translators rooms is new
• new lectern can be raised and lowered to accommodate counsel of different heights and those in wheelchairs
• induction loops are available for people who wear hearing aids

View image details of lectern	View image details of lectern desktop
View image details of the registry officer's desk	View image details of the Courtroom

Audio-Visual Equipment

View image details
of camera

• lectern equipped with two microphones: one is a “shotgun” type to pick up the voice of a person sitting in a wheelchair
• lectern equipped with display panel indicating which judge is speaking
• new cameras (installed lower on the wall than the old ones for a better line of sight)
• improved lighting system to provide a better balance with natural light
• four new 50" wall - mounted plasma screens will be used to show live feed of counsel or bench

View image details
of mounted plasma screen

Information Technology Equipment

View image details
of judge's laptop

• for judges:
  • laptop computers are imbedded in the bench desktop; wireless keyboard and mouse available or can be stored under bench
• for counsel and media:
  • ability to plug in own laptop and have access to wireless internet connection
  • display screens will be added in the Spring of 2008