Charter challenge to legislation or government action
A constitutional application claiming a law or government action violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Judicial review of a decision usually must be started within 30 days of the decision; other challenges have their own deadlines, which the lawyer confirms in writing. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews the decision, the record and the legal grounds
Advises whether judicial review, a Charter claim or another route fits
Prepares the application, affidavits and written argument
Argues the case in court
Gives notice of constitutional questions to governments where required
What is not included
Filing fees, transcripts and other disbursements
Further appeals or other proceedings not covered by the lawyer's written retainer
Independent medical or other reports
Who this service is for
People and businesses affected by a tribunal or government decision
Groups challenging a law or by-law
People affected by correctional or parole decisions
Information to have ready
1The decision and reasons
2Documents filed with the decision-maker
3The law, by-law or policy being challenged
4A timeline of events
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
Lawyers usually charge $450–$1,000/hr for this kind of work, by the hour. The lawyer quotes the actual rate and an estimate. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
What is judicial review?+
A court reviews whether a decision-maker acted fairly, within its powers and reasonably. It usually does not rehear the evidence, and if it succeeds, the matter is often sent back to be decided again.
Which court hears judicial review?+
Most Ontario decisions are reviewed by the Divisional Court, and most federal decisions by the Federal Court.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No outcome can be guaranteed
Tribunals and courts can only decide the issues the law gives them
Deadlines to appeal or apply keep running during a referral