Types of judgments
Provincial Court judges make thousands of decisions each year. The reasons they give for their decisions are sometimes called “judgments”, “reasons”, or just “decisions”. Judgments may be delivered in different ways and there are different ways to find them.
Oral decisions
Often, Provincial Court judges explain their reasons by speaking to the people in the courtroom. This is called “giving oral reasons” or an “oral judgment”. Members of the public are welcome to attend Court to hear a judge give an oral decision.
It may also be possible to order a transcript of an oral decision, although there will be a cost.
Accredited media may ask to listen to the audio recording of a proceeding. The Court's Access to Court Records Policy and Notice to Media NM01 set out how to make this request.
Written decisions
A judge may also prepare written reasons. Sometimes, the judge will read their written reasons aloud in court. The written reasons will be provided to the parties and placed in the court file at the court registry where the matter was heard. When written reasons are filed you can ask at the court registry where the matter was heard for a copy.
Written decisions online
Some written decisions are posted online, particularly when there is public interest in a case or it involves a point of law.
In some cases, legislation may require or a judge may order that a judgment not be published to protect the safety and privacy of a victim, the identity of a child or the fairness of a trial.