Access to court records and dockets is a matter of public interest, but it is not as simple as performing a Google search. New Brunswick has established a formal that governs how members of the public, journalists, and litigants may obtain docket information.
Unlike some larger Canadian jurisdictions that publish fully digital dockets in real-time, New Brunswick maintains a semi-public system. Here is how the public typically accesses the information:
The Miramichi judicial district handles a broad range of legal matters. Dockets are explicitly divided based on the severity and nature of the files: Court Level Common Case Types on Docket Example Proceedings Summary criminal charges, traffic violations, bail hearings Plea entries, election of trial mode, bail reviews Court of King's Bench Indictable offences, large civil suits, domestic files Jury trials, divorce actions, small claims appeals Probate Court Administration of estates, wills, execution of property Estate dispute reviews, executor certifications Miramichi Court Docket
For more information on the Miramichi Court Docket or to access the database, visit:
“Mr. Rourke, you’ve been cited for similar infractions three times in the last twenty years. Each time, you paid a fine. Each time, you nodded and said you understood.” Access to court records and dockets is a
Additionally, the office located at 148 Pleasant Street (Suite 100) often has a copy of the daily duty counsel docket, though this is technically for lawyers.
If you plan to attend a hearing in person at the Miramichi Law Courts, you are generally welcome to do so, as courtrooms are open to the public. However, it is always wise to arrive early and check the electronic displays at the courthouse to ensure the courtroom number hasn't changed. Here is how the public typically accesses the
Historically, the docket was a physical book maintained by the court clerk, but today most Canadian courts—including those in New Brunswick—maintain electronic docket systems, though public online access remains limited. The New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety describes the docket as a tool that “court clerks and workers ... perform administrative, security, and other support functions for courts of law such as scheduling trials, processing service fees, calling court to order, [and] preparing court dockets”.
Many family law hearings are held in closed courtrooms ( in camera ) to protect the privacy of children and sensitive domestic issues.
The court clerks are responsible for preparing dockets, recording proceedings, and managing court files. Justices of the Peace also play a key role by administering oaths and conducting bail hearings at the provincial court level.
