Open courts are the default, but the Criminal Code and other legislation authorize publication bans in defined situations. A ban can prohibit publication, broadcast or transmission of identifying or other protected information even though people may be allowed to attend the hearing.
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.
Victim and witness identity bans
The Code contains mandatory and discretionary publication-ban provisions for protected participants in specified proceedings.
- complainant identity
- witness identity
- application or mandatory order
Youth matters
The Youth Criminal Justice Act contains separate restrictions on identifying young persons and, in some circumstances, victims or witnesses.
- young person
- identity information
- statutory exceptions
Evidence-specific bans
Some evidentiary applications and records regimes carry restrictions on publishing information disclosed during the process.
- sexual-history application
- private records
- hearing materials
Scope of an order
The precise wording and statutory basis determine what cannot be published and for how long.
- name
- identifying details
- digital publication
Media and online publishers
Website operators and social-media users are subject to valid bans. The Courts of Nova Scotia provides information for people seeking or responding to publication-ban applications.
- notice to media
- checking court file
- corrections and takedown
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Criminal Code
- Justice Canada — Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Representing Yourself in Court