Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #05-284
October 31, 2005
Government Modernizing Yukon Courts By Amending Three Acts
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government has tabled legislation and intends to amend three acts that will modernize and streamline Yukon courts.
"Yukon courts are an integral part of our justice system," Justice Minister John Edzerza said. "We want our court system to remain responsive to the needs of Yukoners."
The purpose of the amendments is to provide greater clarity and efficiency in the court process and to reflect current practices. The proposed amendments include:
Small Claims Court Act – The most significant amendment to the Small Claims Court Act changes the maximum amount that can be claimed from $5,000 to $25,000. This brings the Yukon more in line with other jurisdictions that have raised their limits. Other amendments to this Act clarify and streamline the court process.
Jury Act – Amendments to the Jury Act clarify to make processes easier to understand. The Jury Act is being modernized to reflect current practices in our courts. Among the changes are those allowing greater efficiency in assembling juries.
Supreme Court Act – Amendments to the Supreme Court Act allow for the appointment of a Chief Justice for the Supreme Court of Yukon. The Chief Justice sets sitting dates and assigns judges and deputy judges, as required, for the court. This will make the Yukon Supreme Court consistent with superior courts in other jurisdictions.
Together, these three pieces of legislation are part of an ongoing process to update and modernize the Yukon courts.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Deb Wald |
| Cabinet Communications Advisor | Communications, Justice |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 393-7081 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | deb.wald@gov.yk.ca |