Can I get the recording of my hearing?
Short answer
Yes. At the Court of Quebec, the clerk is required to make an audio recording of the trial and, unless a provision states otherwise or a judge orders otherwise, anyone may obtain a copy on payment of the fees set out in the tariff (ss. 34 and 36 of the Regulation of the Court of Québec).
In detail
Section 36 of the Regulation also provides that, where the judge orders the evidence to be transcribed, the clerk must send the transcript to the judge within 30 days unless the judge decides otherwise. There is an important exception in youth protection and adoption matters: unless there is an appeal, the recording may not be copied or transcribed without the court's authorization.
The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, Quebec's rental board) offers an equivalent service: you can obtain a copy of the recording of your hearing, through an online form, by mail or by going to an office, on payment of fees set by regulation. If the recording requested is inaudible or does not exist, the Tribunal contacts you and refunds the fees paid.
The TAL sets one limit: “Broadcasting the audio of any recording of the Tribunal's hearings, in a public place or for the purpose of public broadcast, is prohibited.” Obtaining a copy does not mean you can publish it.
What to document
The court file number, the date and time of the hearing, the courtroom, and the judge's name — these are the details asked for in order to locate the recording. Write them down the same day.
Put your facts in writing, free. Writing your version down early, keeping your documents dated and preparing your questions for a lawyer: the tool is there to document, never to advise.
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Official sources
- Regulation of the Court of Québec, ss. 34 and 36 (Légis Québec)
- Obtaining a copy of the recording of your hearing (Tribunal administratif du logement)
Related questions
- Is my hearing public and can someone attend?
- What happens if I do not show up for my hearing?
- Can I appeal a small claims judgment?
- How do I get my file from my employer, my insurer or a company?
- How do I get a document from a government department, a city or a public body?
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.