Federal and provincial judicial bodies whose function is to resolve disputes and dispense justice according to the principles of law and equity. Court processes involve interpreting the laws; presiding over encounters between the prosecution and defence in criminal matters and plaintiffs and defendants in civil matters; examining evidence and the credibility of witnesses; instructing juries; and determining liability and damages in civil matters and guilt or acquittal and sentencing in criminal matters. Courts also have the power to grant restraining orders, injunctions or other restrictions in appropriate circumstances.

[ Sub-Topics | View Programs and Services (1) | Related Topics ]

Programs that issue orders which authorize law enforcement officers to apprehend, take into protective custody and transport an individual to an appropriate mental health facility for an emergency psychiatric evaluation and possible detention in situations where there is reasonable cause to believe that the person is a serious danger to him or herself or another, or is incapable of self-care. The individual can be held by the facility for a specified period of time, generally 72 hours, and then must either be released or, if additional treatment is needed, further court involvement is required.

[ View Programs and Services (1) | Related Topics ]