Nova Scotia's court system divides criminal work among several courts. Provincial Court handles most adult criminal charges and all provincial and federal summary-offence matters; the Supreme Court is the province's superior trial court; Youth Justice Court handles youth cases; and appellate routes depend on the decision under review.
Primary legislation and official process sources checked October 5, 2026. Criminal law and court procedure can change; verify the current source before relying on a provision or deadline.
Provincial Court
Provincial Court deals mainly with adult criminal charges except the most serious indictable offences and also handles preliminary inquiries where the law provides for one.
- criminal docket
- summary offences
- preliminary inquiry
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the superior trial court and hears criminal matters within its jurisdiction, including jury trials.
- indictable trials
- jury
- Crownside
Youth Justice Court
Youth criminal matters are heard through Youth Justice Court under the Provincial Court structure.
- YCJA
- youth process
- privacy
Court of Appeal
The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal reviews criminal decisions within its appellate jurisdiction and does not simply re-try the case.
- record on appeal
- legal error
- appeal remedies
Locations and dockets
Courts sit throughout the province. The official court site provides locations, contact details and current dockets.
- Halifax and Dartmouth
- regional courthouses
- dockets
Official and authoritative sources
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Provincial Court
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Supreme Court
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Court of Appeal
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Court locations