What's a good courtroom to sit in on?

[CapitalGuy]

When I lived in Edmonton, every now and again I'd have to go to court for a few hours to observe one of my employees' trials when they'd get charged with something (usually DUI). Typically the docket would be about hookers, DUI's, possession, minor fights, etc. It was actually an entertaining if eye-opening day, watching the minor dramas and listening to the song and dance routines.

From time to time I have a few free hours in the afternoon, here in Toronto, and I wouldn't mind sitting in on some of the "shows" some day. Not going to make a habit of it but its as good a way to kill a mid-day as sitting in a pub (although of course not quite so good as booking an hour or two with a young lady).

Can any of you legal types in here offer recommendations as to what courthouse/courtrooms are worth watching for an hour or two? I don't mean specific cases; am really just looking for directions to the courthouse and whether there are separate buildings or floors for specific types of trials, and which types you think would be the most entertaining. Thanks kindly.

 

[Esco!]

I used to do that at Old city hall if I had a speeding ticket.
But I think they moved either criminal or traffic court to a different building

Its interesting to observe cause you lean quite a bit

 

[Never Compromised]

College Court. Has to be the most entertaining in the city, other than Superior Court on University.

I was called as a witness once years ago, and the next time I popped into the "Penthouse 90" for a drink and a dance, two of the dancers asked me why I had not told them I was a lawyer.... LOL

Obviously they had been to the court that day and I did not recognize them with their clothes on.

I think I sat through a couple of prostitution cases, a minor assault, and a shop lifting before the case I was involved in came up. All under 30 minutes.

 

[Esco!]

College Court. Has to be the most entertaining in the city, other than Superior Court on University.

I was called as a witness once years ago, and the next time I popped into the "Penthouse 90" for a drink and a dance, two of the dancers asked me why I had not told them I was a lawyer.... LOL

Penthouse 90????? I never heard of that place

Location please????!!

 

[mandrill]

Well, depends what you want to see. When I was just called to the Bar, I would go over to Superior Court and watch murder trials to try and "learn something". (Of course, I didn't learn much as it was all far too complex technically for my abilities back then.)

One of the cases I watched was quite riveting and featured a schizophrenic kid who had gone berserk when he glanced down his bus transfer and noticed that the serial # ended 666! Another case I saw was a knifing at a flop-house.

But if you want to see quick and easy, go to one of the trial courts at either College Park or Old City Hall and check out an assault trial or another minor crime. Lots of local colour.

 

[anonemouse]

I've been to the bail courtroom at old city hall on a weekend about 5 years ago. It felt like a real assembly line thing...moving everyone through as fast as they could. Most of them they just delayed until the Monday.

But they read out what the person had done, and some of it was pretty interesting.

That was a few years ago, and someone else mentioned that court might have moved by now? But it was still pretty entertaining for about an hour.

 

[Esco!]

My favourite line of Jim Carrey ever was in "Liar...Liar".
Criminal asks Jim Carrey (who plays a lawyer) for advice after he held up a bank teller.

Jim's character (who cant lie) replies:


"Quit breaking the law, Asshole!!!"




Now that was farking funny!!

 

[bait&switch]

Coutroom to sit in on

https://terb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=204035

 

[21pro]

some property (real estate) auctions are coming up. I might check that out.

My friend bought a plaza in Brampton through the courts for $100k... He had to clear up over $440k in debts, though, but I think it was well worth it, as it's worth over $5Mil, I'm sure...

 

[Never Compromised]

Penthouse 90????? I never heard of that place

Location please????!!

You are just a young un.

Penthouse 90 was Dundas/Ossington. Now called... Baby Dolls.

 

[CapitalGuy]

Interesting suggestions. Thanks.

Where are the prostitution related proceedings held?

 

[kohan]

College Court. Has to be the most entertaining in the city, other than Superior Court on University.

I was called as a witness once years ago, and the next time I popped into the "Penthouse 90" for a drink and a dance, two of the dancers asked me why I had not told them I was a lawyer.... LOL

Obviously they had been to the court that day and I did not recognize them with their clothes on.

I think I sat through a couple of prostitution cases, a minor assault, and a shop lifting before the case I was involved in came up. All under 30 minutes.

Be careful if you are going through the College Courts on a Saturday. If you drop your wallet, don't pick it up. You have to keep moving. Also watch out for those guy's with the "wide stance".

I used the men's washroom on a Saturday afternoon, and as I was standing at the urinal I had that feeling I was being watched. I looked back, and there about 10 guys just standing in front of the sinks or with their backs to the wall. There also seemed to be some movement in the stalls. None of them said anything to me, but you just knew what was going on.

 

[saint6869]

How would we access these listings??

 

[buckwheat1]

courtrooms!!!


1. College park - yonge and college
2. Old city hall - queen and bay
3. University ave - university and ?
4. North york - Yonge and Shephard
5. Scarborough - Eglinton and Warden

 

[slaconte1978]

didnt know there are still flophouses in toronto

Well, depends what you want to see. When I was just called to the Bar, I would go over to Superior Court and watch murder trials to try and "learn something". (Of course, I didn't learn much as it was all far too complex technically for my abilities back then.)

One of the cases I watched was quite riveting and featured a schizophrenic kid who had gone berserk when he glanced down his bus transfer and noticed that the serial # ended 666! Another case I saw was a knifing at a flop-house.

But if you want to see quick and easy, go to one of the trial courts at either College Park or Old City Hall and check out an assault trial or another minor crime. Lots of local colour.