ARCHIVED VIDEO STREAM

This is the archived version of a program presented on November 28, 2011. To order this format please click on the "REGISTER NOW" button.  

A criminal charge stemming from a domestic violence incident may result in one parent having de facto sole custody of the parties' children.  Custody or access orders may conflict with bail or probation terms.  Domestic violence is a serious and complex issue and the justice system's response is complicated by the fact that family and criminal cases occur separately.  The two courts have traditionally operated independently, often in separate buildings with a separate judiciary and virtually no sharing of information between them, despite the impact of one on the other.

To address these concerns, the Integrated Domestic Violence Court was formed in Toronto earlier this year.  It provides families with a coherent and comprehensive response to their problems when family and domestic violence issues coincide.  The court is based on a one-family-one-judge concept, where one judge will case manage both the family and criminal cases.

The OBA invites you to spend the evening of November 28, 2011, with our distinguished panel to discuss the operation of the Integrated Domestic Violence Court and practical tips for appearing before this specialized court for both criminal and family lawyers.