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.

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Programs that offer sentencing alternatives, including a specified number of hours of community service in a nonprofit agency, admission to a treatment program (where relevant) or other options, to ensure that people cited for ordinance violations are not incarcerated solely because of their inability to pay all or a portion of the fine normally assessed as punishment for the offence. Offenders may be required to meet income guideline to be eligible for consideration.

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