News release

Province to Eliminate Need for Some Arraignment Hearings

Justice

Nova Scotians will no longer have to go to court to plead not guilty to summary offence tickets, such as speeding and motor vehicle infractions, under proposed changes to the Summary Proceedings Act introduced today, April 1, by Justice Minister Ross Landry.

"This change to the act increases access to justice and is more convenient for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Landry. "People who receive tickets will still be able to go to trial to dispute the matter."

Anyone who now receives a summary offence ticket must appear in arraignment court if they are going to plead not guilty. The person then returns to court for trial, where many issues discussed at arraignment are addressed again before the court.

Under the proposed system, Nova Scotians will be required to appear in court only for trial. They will be able to go to a justice centre and receive a trial date from court staff.

With the proposed changes, people who are automatically convicted for failing to appear can have that conviction set aside within 60 days and be granted a court date before a presiding justice of the peace or provincial court judge.

Ontario has also eliminated arraignment court for certain matters to expedite justice.