Understanding the Differences Between Tribunals and Courts in Ontario

Hi Everyone, it's Kristy from Clearly Legal

I wanted to chat today about the Courts and Tribunals.

Disputes happen every day, ranging from simple disagreements to complex legal battles. Ontario’s legal system addresses this variety through the tribunals and the courts. Knowing how these two differ can save you time, money, and stress when facing a legal issue. This post touches on the key differences between tribunals and courts in Ontario, helping you understand which option fits your situation best.

What Are Courts in Ontario?

Courts are formal legal bodies that handle a wide range of criminal and civil matters. They have the authority to make binding decisions on the more serious of issues.

Courts follow strict rules of procedure and evidence. Hearings are formal, often involving lawyers, judges, and sometimes juries. The process can be lengthy and costly, reflecting the seriousness of the matters handled.

What Are Tribunals?

Tribunals are specialized bodies created to resolve disputes about specific laws and regulations. They focus on particular areas such as landlord-tenant issues, human rights complaints, workplace safety, and immigration.

How Tribunals and Courts Work Together

Ontario’s legal system uses tribunals and courts to handle different types of disputes efficiently. Tribunals manage cases that require focused knowledge and less formality, while courts handle serious or complex matters needing full legal procedures.

For example, a tenant disputing a rent increase would go to the Landlord and Tenant Board, a tribunal. But if the dispute involves a large property claim or criminal activity, it would move to the courts.

When to Choose a Tribunal or a Court

Choosing between a tribunal and a court depends on the nature of your dispute:

• Use a Tribunal When:

- Your issue involves a specific area covered by a tribunal’s mandate.

- Your matter may be more simple in nature and not require the formality of full litigation.

• Use a Court When:

- Your dispute involves serious criminal charges or large civil claims.

- You need a formal trial and full litigation

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between tribunals and courts in Ontario helps you choose the right path for your dispute. Tribunals offer a specialized, less formal, and cost-effective way to resolve many legal issues. Courts handle more serious and complex matters requiring formal legal procedures.

Whether your file is better served with one of the tribunals or the courts, I can help; contact me at kristy@clearlylegal.ca and we'll chat.