Maritime court backlogs an ongoing problem [Video]

Court backlogs worsened by the pandemic continue to plague justice systems across the Maritimes.

But for the first time since 2022, Nova Scotia has seen a decline in the number of court applications for a trial to be stayed based on the Jordan decision for a violation of time and delay.

Morgan Manzer, a Halifax-based lawyer and spokesperson for Nova Scotia Legal Aid, says it’s a step in the right direction, but emphasizes there’s more work to do.

“Our lawyers certainly want to see these files seen to conclusion in a reasonable timeframe,” said Manzer, who, along with his Legal Aid colleagues, works as a defence lawyer. “These matters are incredibly stressful and difficult for everyone involved, and to our clients as well. They want to have their matter resolved in a very fair and efficient way.”

In 2022, Nova Scotia courts received 22 applications for stays related to the Jordan rule, which is invoked when court cases exceed the expected …