News release

Night Court Coming to Cape Breton

Justice

Cape Breton will soon have its own night court.

Justice Minister Michael Baker announced today that a Summary Offence Court will be created in Sydney to hear virtually all summary offence matters in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

“This initiative has worked well in the metro Halifax area, and we have every reason to believe it will be just as successful in Cape Breton,” said Mr. Baker. “Almost 2,700 cases are being diverted from the provincial-court docket each year, giving more time for the more serious criminal matters.”

Approximately 90 per cent of summary offences occur under the Motor Vehicle Act and include such things as speeding and liquor violations.

The court will sit two nights each week and will be adjudicated by lawyers. It will be up and running as soon as possible.

Trials in Sydney are being scheduled about six months from arraignment day. Currently, the Sydney court is averaging 90 hearings per month on peace bond and summary offence matters.
Removing the summary offence trials and the peace bond hearings from the court docket will help to improve efficiency in scheduling.

The night court sittings will offer convenience for clients, who will no longer have to change work schedules in order to attend court. The evening sittings will also allow for the use of the facilities in off hours, maximizing the use of resources.

“Our goal is to continue to improve the administration of the courts and service to clients,” said Mr. Baker.

The court will sit from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 136 Charlotte St. in Sydney.