Court Services

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice.

The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed below:

• Nova Scotia Court of Appeal
• Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division)
• Provincial Court
• Family Court
• Small Claims Court
• Probate Court
• Bankruptcy Court

The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases. Find additional information about Nova Scotia courts on the Courts of Nova Scotia website.

Adjudicators for Small Claims Court

The Department of Justice wishes to receive applications from practicing members of the Bar who are interested in becoming Adjudicators of the Small Claims Court.

• Adjudicators Small Claims Court of Nova Scotia Recruitment (PDF)

Judicial Appointments

The Government of Nova Scotia has established Provincial Judicial Appointments Guidelines to require at least 10 years of legal experience. This will ensure that appointments are based on merit while also opening the process to a more diverse pool of candidates:

• Provincial Judicial Appointments Guidelines (PDF)
• Provincial Judicial Application Form (PDF)
• Advisory Committee on Provincial Judicial Appointments - Overview and Members (PDF)

Other Divisional Responsibilities

In addition, the Division is responsible for:

• management of Court Administration Offices
• management of Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court Registries
• administration of the Criminal Code Review Board
• court security and transportation of prisoners through Sheriff Services
• administration of the Justice of the Peace Program
• management of the Maintenance Enforcement Program
• management of a number of programs designed to reduce conflict and litigation in Family Law matters