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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Small Claims Court Trials

Some key considerations in preparing for and conducting trials in Small Claims Court, from the perspective of a trial lawyer (sidenote, you can purchase a Small Claims Court trial checklist here): Settlement Conference Rule 13.05 presents a lot of opportunity to seek orders at the settlement conference helpful to the case and trial. Orders from […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Fundamentals of Cross-Examination

Cross-examination is the most important thing a trial lawyer does. Judges and Juries love cross-examination, it is where things get interesting. Cross-examination gives the trial lawyer the opportunity to advance their own client’s story using the other side’s witnesses.  This is often the most persuasive way to tell a story.  This idea of building a story […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Common Objections

How objectionable should you be at trial? As in life, as unobjectionable as possible.  Yet there are times when lines are being crossed, certain evidence needs to be excluded and the record needs to be protected by reflecting your objection. Also, objections help make sure that evidence is being presented fairly for both sides. We’ve put together […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Law of Evidence Fundamentals

If you’re going to trial, beyond knowing your case, Courtroom procedure and the law that applies to your case, you need to know the law of evidence in order to make sure your evidence is admissible. There is nothing worse than having a strong case but not appreciating how the evidence must be introduced. We’ve put […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Ontario Evidence Act Notices

If you’re going to trial in Ontario, you need to be aware of the need for and how to complete Evidence Act notices. For information on Evidence Act notices for business records, please click here. For information on Evidence Act notices relating to medical reports, please click here. Hassell Trial Counsel is trial counsel for law firms in […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Getting your Witnesses to Trial: Summons or Subpoena, Attendance Money, Logistics

Sometimes you need to track down your eyewitnesses.  The good samaritan leaves a business card or cell number, but many disappear.  Get on top of this fast. Even if you know how to track them down, cooperation can be a challenge because most witnesses do not want to get involved in a lawsuit or criminal […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Exhibit Lists

As your trial or hearing progresses, what info should you track as exhibits are entered? The exhibit number/letter, date if it’s a document (or note it is undated), description of the exhibit and who entered it (plaintiff / Crown or defendant / defence). Exhibit management can require the assistance of a second member of your […]

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Ontario Superior Court of Justice Trials

Speeding Ticket Trials

If you’re a lawyer, you’ve probably had family and friends tell you they’ve got a speeding ticket and what should they do. If you’re a family member or friend of a lawyer with a speeding ticket, you may be searching for answers online. Here’s some information, not legal advice, for speeding ticket trials: The Stop […]