Supreme Court of Canada

The Supreme Court of Canada is Canada’s highest court.  There are nine Supreme Court Justices.  They hear cases dealing with issues of national importance, primarily constitutional and criminal law issues, on appeal from the Courts of Appeal in every province and territory.

During the summer, there are regular guided tours given by law students.  During the rest of the year, guided tours are available, but must be scheduled in advance.

During the guided tours you will not only get to see the courts, but learn more about the Canadian legal system and how it works, as well as how cases get to the Supreme Court, what type of cases are heard, and more.  If an appeal is being heard, you are permitted to go in and watch it.

The building itself is quite impressive, both inside and out.  If you are interested in architecture, this building is a must see.

The Canadian Supreme Court is located at 301 Wellington Street – just west on Wellington Street from the Parliament Buildings.  The building is a public one, open to the public from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. seven days per week from May through August, and five days per week (closed on the weekends) the rest of the year.  There is no admission fee. 

You can learn more about the Supreme Court of Canada on their official website.