Frequently Asked Questions

The community court aims to address crime in a timely way so individuals understand the consequences of their behaviour and can make reparation to the community.

Justice, health, and social service agencies work together with an integrated approach to support individuals and address the underlying health and social needs that can often lead to crime.

The court has effective relationships with neighbourhood and community groups and creates opportunities for public participation in the court.

The community court hears cases involving most offences committed in downtown Vancouver that are considered summary convictions. For example, theft under $5,000, mischief or assault.

Sentences in the community court focus on managing the individual’s risk of re-offending and making reparation towards the community for harm caused by the crime.

Community court sentences can range from community service to community supervision to incarceration.  In some cases, individuals can be connected to integrated case management teams or program referrals to better support their identified needs.

Community service varies greatly. Examples could include working in community kitchens, cleaning up community gardens, sidewalks, and alleys, or working with community groups that partner with the community court.

Local organizations and businesses can work with the court to develop community service projects and opportunities for individuals to serve sentences.

These projects can also help individuals gain new job skills and work experience. The business community can provide employment opportunities, helping individuals make the shift towards responsibility and independence.

Service providers and volunteer organizations in the community can help individuals find and attend programs. Residents and others can provide information to the court about the impact of crime on their community.

Both courts are part of the Provincial Court of B.C.

Drug court is only for individuals who commit crime because of an addiction, are eligible for a drug treatment program, and opt into the program. This court sits twice per week.

Community court hears a wide variety of summary offences committed in a designated area within downtown Vancouver by individuals who with complex health and social needs. Sentences are tailored to the individual and offence. The community court averages about 100 files on the court list daily and sits Monday to Friday.

In 2005, a BC Justice Review Task Force appointed by the Attorney General recommended creating a community court to address crime in Vancouver. The court opened in 2008.

The community court has been evaluated. The evaluations are available online and show how the court is meeting its objectives:

• Report from the DCC Executive Board on the Final Evaluation of the Downtown Community Court
• Examining the Impact of Case Management in Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court
• Downtown Community Court in Vancouver: Efficiency Analysis
• Compilation of Research on the Vancouver Downtown Community Court 2008 to 2012
• Court as a health intervention to advance Canada’s achievement of the sustainable development goals: a multi-pronged analysis of Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court
• “Client health is part of my job”: A qualitative study of attitudes and experiences of legal personnel in British Columbia’s Downtown Community Court

There are community courts operating or being developed in other countries, including the United States, England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa.

Visit the Center for Court Innovation website for more information on community courts around the world: http://www.courtinnovation.org/