Can I record or film my hearing at the courthouse?
Short answer
No. JuridiQC states that you are not allowed to record the proceedings of a hearing or to take photographs, and that cell phones must be turned off before entering a courtroom.
In detail
JuridiQC specifies that phone use is allowed in the courthouse corridors, but that phones must be off in the courtroom. Breaking the rules can lead to a warning, being removed from the room, being refused entry to the courthouse, or in more serious cases a charge of contempt of court.
The Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL, Quebec's rental board) states the same rule: “Every hearing is recorded. Any other form of audio or visual recording is prohibited, except with the Tribunal's authorization and on the conditions it determines.”
For virtual hearings, JuridiQC points out that you are allowed neither to share the hearing link nor to record the audio or the image of the hearing. The rules of conduct are the same as if you were physically at the courthouse.
What to document
Take written notes during the hearing instead: what was admitted, what was disputed, what the judge asked for and the deadlines set. Those notes are allowed and will be useful afterwards.
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.
Open the application Up to 3 files, no card · see the plans
Official sources
- The rules and customs to follow in court, in 10 questions (JuridiQC, Government of Quebec)
- How a hearing unfolds (Tribunal administratif du logement)
Related questions
- Can I get the recording of my hearing?
- 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?
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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.