Helping Students Navigate the Court System

Law students in Windsor are taking part in a unique pilot program that’s not found anywhere else in Ontario. It’s aimed at assisting self-represented individuals, making court less daunting, and cutting down delays.

Students from the University of Windsor, supervised by Community Legal Aid (CLA) lawyers, are available inside the Ontario Court of Justice building throughout the week when the courthouse is open.

The Navigator Project launched in January and also places students at the provincial offences court located in Windsor city hall on Mondays.

“The response is pretty positive,” said Ethan Tion, a third-year UWindsor law student. “Court is stressful. Court is busy. Court is confusing and just having someone.. even if it’s just pointing you in the right direction, I think it helps a lot.”

However, these law students do more than simply direct people to the correct courtroom.

Law students Jenna Taghikhani and Faith Hedges are stationed at the navigator desk inside Windsor’s Ontario Court of Justice building. (Harpreet Burmy)

The student lawyers can clarify why someone needs to be in court, offer basic legal advice, or help them become a legal aid client if they qualify for assistance.

“It’s fulfilling work,” said Jagdeep Brar, a second-year UWindsor law student. “I get to come in, I enjoy what I do and I’m helping the little guy. The whole thing about the CLA is assisting where there is a power imbalance.”

In some cases, students can represent an accused person as what’s known as “a friend of the court” to help keep things moving smoothly through the judicial system.

“You’re not in court because you want to be, but I think there’s a sense of greater calm afterwards,” said Tion. “Not smiles, not hugs, but at least ‘now I know what I’m walking into and I know there are resources I can reach out to after this.’”

Legal aid lawyer always on-call for students

Since those helping out are law students rather than licensed attorneys, Adrian Cormier keeps his cell phone on while court is open.

“I’m always available to the students,” said Cormier, who serves as review counsel at CLA in Windsor. “That’s how this project works right now.”

After talking with someone needing assistance at the courthouse, students will come up with what they believe is sound legal advice and check everything with Cormier over the phone.

“I’ll vet that advice – either determine that it needs revision or approve it – then the student goes back and delivers that advice directly to their client,” said Cormier.

Adrian Cormier is review council for local Community Legal Aid and created the framework for the current Navigator Program. (Jason Viau/CBC)

Cormier mentioned that this program ultimately aids people who might have otherwise slipped through unnoticed.

“That includes folks who can’t afford a lawyer or legal representation on their own or those who wouldn’t qualify for a legal aid certificate due to their situation,” said Cormier.

Prosecutor and judge sought navigation support

This initiative began after a prosecutor from provincial offences court and a judge from Ontario Court of Justice contacted CLA about offering navigation services for individuals without legal representation.

The acting clinic director Harpreet Burmy says this program aligns perfectly with CLA’s mission which promotes access to justice while providing learning opportunities for law students.

“We know that [the program] works and it’s making a huge difference,” said Burmy.

Harpreet Burmy serves as acting clinic director at University of Windsor Law’s Community Legal Aid. (Jason Viau/CBC)

Another objective of this initiative is ensuring cases progress promptly through our justice system.

The Jordan framework refers to a legal rule set out in 2016 by Canada’s Supreme Court requiring court matters generally wrap up within specific time limits.

Burmy noted that CLA’s student lawyers often serve as initial contacts when preparing litigants regarding what lies ahead during their time in court while informing them about their rights.

“Sometimes they end up waiving their right to delay without fully understanding potential consequences,” said Burmy. “This could lead to serious impacts; thus we try our best to provide general legal information.”

Hope that program expands across Canada

She hopes other areas within Ontario -and across Canada-can develop similar versions of this pilot program from Windsor , enhancing their respective court systems.

“The Community Legal Assistance Program at Windsor Law School has created an excellent model for articling students providing legal help targeting low-income vulnerable individuals,” shared an Ontario Court of Justice spokesperson with .

“It’s essential for Ontario’s courts ensure everyone involved feels respected while being able actively participate; hence we fully support Windsor Law’s efforts aiding self-represented accused navigate through our justice system.”

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