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There are always several people present in the courtroom, each with an important role:

  • The Judge – The judge leads the court. They listen to the arguments and evidence and make a fair and balanced decision about the case.
  • Justice of the Peace (JP) – In JP Court, the hearing is led by a Justice of the Peace. This person is not always a lawyer but is trained to understand the law and how hearings are conducted.
  • Court Clerk – The clerk helps the court run smoothly. They call the court to order, swear in witnesses, keep the schedule, and record the judge’s orders.
  • Lawyers – There will usually be at least two lawyers in the courtroom, representing each side of the case. (See Crown and Defence Counsel in "Common Legal Terms").
  • Court Reporter or Translator – Sometimes a court reporter is present to make an official record of everything said. A translator may also be there to translate the proceedings into Inuktut, French, or English.
  • Elder – An Elder may be present to provide guidance and cultural context to the court. They may also support victims, the accused, or their families, and play a key role in processes like sentencing circles.