Manitoba has three primary types of court: The Provincial Court, the Court of King’s Bench (formerly the Court of the Queen’s Bench), and the Court of Appeal. Understanding these three courts can help you to better understand the legal system in Manitoba and Canada.

Below, we will explore the basics of these three courts, the types of cases that are heard at each court, and how first-time court visitors should prepare for their time in court: 

Understanding The Manitoba Courts 

The Provincial Court

The Provincial Court is Manitoba’s lower court; more than 95% of all criminal cases in Manitoba start in the Provincial Court. The responsibilities of the Provincial Court include:

• Hearing bail applications (judicial interim release)
• Managing preliminary inquiries
• Presiding over
  • Intake (first appearance) courts
  • Screen (resolution) courts
  • Various types of trial courts
  • Youth courts

In Winnipeg, there are two Provincial Court locations:

373 Broadway – for provincial offences

408 York Avenue – for criminal matters under the Criminal Code of Canada, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, youth matters, and other Provincial Court criminal proceedings in Winnipeg

Outside of Winnipeg, there are Provincial Courts throughout Manitoba; you can find their locations and contact info on the Manitoba Courts website. 

The Court Of King’s Bench

The Court of King’s Bench is Manitoba’s Superior Court. The court is divided into two divisions: The Family Division (which deals with family law cases) and the General Division (which deals with civil and criminal cases).

In Winnipeg, the Court of King’s Bench has three locations:

373 Broadway – for small claims hearings

408 York Avenue – for other matters handled by the King’s Court in Winnipeg

100 – 614 Des Meurons Street – a satellite court often used to provide bilingual services

The Court at 408 York is the one that handles the vast majority of criminal cases with full jury trials in Winnipeg. 

The Court of King’s Bench has other locations throughout Manitoba; you can find these locations and their contact info on the Court of King’s Bench website. 

The Court Of Appeal

The Court of Appeal is the highest court in Manitoba, headed by the Chief Justice of Manitoba. It hears cases at 408 York Avenue. The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Provincial Court, the Court of King’s Bench, and certain administrative tribunals like the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission and the Manitoba Labour Board. 

Types Of Cases Heard At The Manitoba Courts

The Manitoba courts hear a variety of different cases, ranging from small claims to criminal trials with a full jury. The court that you will visit depends on a number of factors, including whether the case is civil or criminal, the severity of the case, the location in which an event allegedly took place, and more. 

Tips For First-Time Court Visitors

Managing Anxiety & Expectations

Stress, anxiety, and frustration are all natural feelings when visiting a court for the first time – court procedures are new to you, and the pressure of waiting for the results of a hearing can be exhausting.

Talking with friends and loved ones before visiting the court can help you express your feelings and reduce stress. Breathing exercises and mindfulness exercises can help you lower anxiety during court proceedings. 

Taking Notes & Staying Organized

If you are participating in a trial, taking notes can help you:

• Keep track of court dates, fines, and other relevant information
• Note any questions you want to ask your lawyer when there is an opportunity
• Organize your thoughts

Trials can be complex, high-pressure environments; taking notes can help reduce some of that pressure. 

Asking Questions Or Seeking Assistance

Even in small claims court, a lawyer can help you navigate court proceedings, make a stronger case, and answer any questions you might have.

Do not be afraid to ask questions; whenever possible, try to ask these questions before or after court proceedings, so that both you and your legal team have as much information as possible before the next proceeding. 

Need Legal Assistance In Winnipeg? Find A Lawyer Today

Matt Gould is a criminal lawyer Winnipeg residents have trusted with their criminal cases. He can help you navigate the court system in Manitoba; call him today!