LCO Counsel Laura Snowdon discusses the state of Protection Orders in Ontario with Law 360 and shares some of the big questions for the Protection Orders project. Read the article here.
The LCO is pleased to renew the LCO Student Scholar Fellowship Program for 2026. This summer, the LCO will hire up to 11 law students. This program is delivered in collaboration with participating Ontario law schools. Eligible students from the following schools may apply: Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University Osgoode Hall Law [...]
The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) has released its new Consultation Paper on Improving Protection Orders in Family, Child Protection, and Civil Law. We are seeking feedback on how Ontario can better respond to intimate partner and family violence. Protection orders in Ontario take many forms. This Consultation Paper focuses on restraining orders and exclusive possession [...]
The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) extends its sincere appreciation to Randall Kahgee, who has recently completed his term as a member of the Board of Governors. Randall’s thoughtful contributions and dedication have played an important role in advancing the LCO’s work over the past four years. The LCO is deeply grateful for his commitment [...]
We’re excited to be hosting an event during the Law Society of Ontario (LSO)’s Access to Justice (A2J) Week 2025. Join us online on Monday, October 27th, for an engaging session on AI in the Canadian criminal justice system. We’ll be exploring important practical and legal questions that are confronting Canadian police, courts, policymakers, Crowns, [...]
The Law Commission of Ontario (LCO) is pleased to announce the appointments of two new members: Olha Dobush (MAG Appointee), term effective May 22, 2025. Olha is the Assistant Deputy Attorney General with the Victims and Vulnerable Persons Division at the Ministry of the Attorney General. Natalia Rodriguez (LSO Appointee), term effective May 29, 2025. Natalia [...]
The LCO is looking for new projects! This is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to work with Ontario’s leading law reform agency to develop independent, principled and authoritative advice on important legal issues. Our current work includes projects addressing AI in the criminal and administrative justice systems, protection orders and protections against intimate [...]
The LCO is excited to release its comprehensive AI in the Criminal Justice reports, including five papers examining the benefits, risks and governance of AI at every stage of the criminal justice process. Papers include: Introduction & Summary Use of AI by Law Enforcement AI and the Assessment of Risk in Bail, Sentencing, and Recidivism [...]
Law360 interviewed the LCO’s Laura Snowdon about the two surveys we launched to improve protection orders for intimate partner violence and family violence in Ontario. Laura highlighted concerns about the difficulty in obtaining these orders and their limited effectiveness, as survivors often report breaches and challenges with accessibility. The surveys aim to gather feedback from [...]
We need your help to improve protection orders for intimate partner violence and family violence. If you have personal or professional experience with restraining orders, peace bonds, bail release orders or other protection orders in Ontario, complete our surveys today! Access them here: lco-cdo.org/POsurveys The deadline to complete our surveys is Friday April 11, 2025.