Some final decisions made within the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission process can be challenged in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia through judicial review. Judicial review is different from asking the Commission to reconsider an intake decision.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Internal review comes first in some situations
For an intake decision, the Commission provides Registrar reassessment and then an appeal to the Director and CEO before describing judicial review as the next avenue.
Dismissal decisions
The Commission also identifies judicial review as the court route following certain complaint dismissals or final administrative decisions.
What judicial review does
Judicial review examines the legality of an administrative decision and the decision-making process under public-law standards. It is not automatically a fresh hearing of every factual issue.
Court procedure matters
Court filing requirements, records, service, remedies and deadlines can be important. A person considering judicial review should consult the current Nova Scotia court rules and obtain legal advice promptly where possible.
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — intake reassessments and appeals
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — complaint process
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Commissioners' decisions