Superior Court Clarifies Gowning Requirements

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice updated its Notice to the Profession and Public Regarding Court Proceedings last week to clarify gowning requirements.

Gowns are not required for virtual proceedings.

For in-person proceedings, counsel must comply with paragraphs 59 to 61 of the Consolidated Practice Direction. Unless specified by a local practice direction, gowning is required for in-person proceedings, except for:

• trial scheduling court (also known as assignment court, “speak to” court, and “purge” court);
• case conferences, settlement conferences, trial management conferences, and pre-trial conferences; and
• Small Claims Court proceedings.

Where gowning is required, counsel must gown regardless of whether the presiding judicial official is a judge or a master.