CPD: Understand the Jurisdiction: With Justice Marvin A. Zuker

Session 1:

Marvin A.  Zuker, LL.B., M.Ed. served as a Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice and was cross-appointed to the Superior Court of Justice (Divisional Court).  Over the course of his distinguished judicial career, Justice Zuker presided in civil, criminal, and administrative law matters, with a particular focus on labour and employment law and Small Claims Court practice.  Before his appointment to the bench, Justice Zuker practiced law in Toronto, building extensive expertise in advocacy and dispute resolution.  Throughout his judicial service, he was recognized for his clear, principled decisions and his commitment to ensuring access to justice in Ontario’s trial courts.

In retirement, Justice Zuker remains active in legal education, regularly contributing to continuing professional development programs for lawyers and paralegals.  His insights into the historical development and evolving jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court provide unique perspective for practitioners seeking to strengthen their litigation skills.

Historical Background
with Justice Marvin A. Zuker

Learn about, among other things:

• The historical development of the Small Claims Court and its role within Ontario’s justice system;
• The evolution of monetary jurisdiction from $1,000 in the 1970s to the forthcoming $50,000 limit;
• The policy objectives behind jurisdictional expansion, including access to justice and efficiency;
• The contributions of Justice Marvin A.  Zuker in shaping Small Claims Court practice and jurisprudence; and
• The foundational importance of understanding jurisdiction as the starting point for every Small Claims Court action.

Materials Included:

• A handout containing extensive reference materials including, where applicable, case law, fully cited, and linked to CanLII for convenient future use as quick reference secondary source material;
• A Quick Reference Brief for Small Claims Court jurisdiction authorities; and
• A nearly two (2) hour video of informative anecdotal discussion available in perpetuity; and
• A Certificate of Participation that syndicates to your Profile page throughout the Success.Legal network.

Session 2:

Monetary Jurisdiction

Learn about, among other things:

• The statutory foundation of monetary limits in the Small Claims Court under section 23 of the Courts of Justice Act;
• The prohibition against splitting a cause of action as prescribed by Rule 6.02;
• The definition of a “cause of action” and the importance of this distinction for structuring claims;
• The use of waiver of excess to remain within jurisdiction while preserving substantive rights;
• The principles for joinder of multiple plaintiffs and the risks of conflict or procedural inefficiency;
• The potential cost consequences of proceeding in Superior Court when Small Claims Court jurisdiction applies;
• The much more that professional litigators should know about monetary restrictions and related procedural rules.

Materials Included:

• A handout containing extensive reference materials including, where applicable, case law, fully cited, and linked to CanLII for convenient future use as quick reference secondary source material;
• A Quick Reference Brief for Small Claims Court jurisdiction authorities; and
• A nearly two (2) hour video of informative anecdotal discussion available in perpetuity; and
• A Certificate of Participation that syndicates to your Profile page throughout the Success.Legal network.

Session 3:

Adjudicative Jurisdiction

Learn about, among other things:

• The scope of subject-matter jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court, including contract, tort, and equitable claims;
• The authority of the court to address Charter issues, Human Rights Issues, and other complex matters;
• The role of deputy judges in ensuring access to justice and efficient adjudication;
• The boundaries of jurisdiction that must be respected when advancing novel or complex claims;
• The professional responsibilities engaged when advising clients about adjudicative jurisdiction and forum selection;
• The much more that professional litigators should know about the adjudicative jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court.

Materials Included:

• A handout containing extensive reference materials including, where applicable, case law, fully cited, and linked to CanLII for convenient future use as quick reference secondary source material;
• A Quick Reference Brief for Small Claims Court jurisdiction authorities; and
• A nearly two (2) hour video of informative anecdotal discussion available in perpetuity; and
• A Certificate of Participation that syndicates to your Profile page throughout the Success.Legal network.