Social Justice Case Study Essay

Introduction Jessica and me, paid a visit to Social Justice Tribunals Ontario-The Landlord and Tenant Board in Mississauga, which was located at 520 3 Robert Speck Parkway, on May 18, 2016. We both drove to this location. It was difficult to locate the building initially, as it was not clearly mentioned. Finding a parking was also difficult, as they had limited parking for visitors. We had to park at the authorised parking area. Parking was not free and we paid $7 for a day. Access to justice is one of the most significant factor, and since people had to pay for the parking, it added to their cost of litigation. The Landlord and Tenant Board are tribunals that offer access to justice for low income people who cannot afford the court fee. The Landlord and Tenant Board was located at transit accessible location. It was also wheelchair accessible. So if a tenant was without a car, they could reach the Board office easily making access to justice possible for all. The Landlord and Tenant Board was located on the 5th floor of the building. There was a security personnel at the main gate to help in case you are lost. The receptionist at the Board Office was not too polite and unfriendly. However she showed us the hearing rooms. Hearing room was located on the other side of the Board Office, so if someone was there for the first time, they would have difficulty locating it without the help of the Board office staff. Board Office had three staff members to help. It was not too crowded. There was two hearing rooms at this location. We went inside hearing room 1, and sat down. The hearing room and the parties: The hearing room was quite a size of a classroom. It was bigger than we expected. On the door of the hearing room there was a complete list of cases for the day. There were 54 cases to be heard that day. The list mentioned the case number, rental address, case type, and filing date. That made it easier for people to locate their hearing room. On one side of the hearing room there was a platform for the adjudicator with a nameplate in front, identifying the adjudicator. There was a witness stand beside it. Facing the adjudicator there were two tables and chairs for the landlord and the tenant, followed by chairs for people to sit and wait to be heard. There was enough room for everyone. The proceeding was already in progress, so the room was very quiet and everyone was seated. It was packed with people. There was a security guard at the hearing room. Since security was a big concern for us at the Small Claims Court, it made us feel good. The Adjudicator had mentioned before the proceeding started that people need to stay quite as everything was being recorded and a recorder was on. People were walking in and out of the hearing room as their cases were heard. Mediation: At the Landlord and Tenant Board, if the adjudicator feels that the case could be resolved through mediation session, they will suggest it. …show more content…
Mediation is a more relaxed way to reach a decision without going through the formal court hearing. It was optional and if one side refused to go for mediation, the hearing would take place. A Mediator works with both sides to try to reach a settlement. At Mississauga location there were 2 Mediators who were trying to help people who agreed to resolve their disputes through Mediation. We saw 4 cases where people went out of the hearing room with Mediators and came back with a resolved decision. It eased the hearing room, and cases were heard very fast. Tenants and Landlords: Most of the tenants were representing themselves. They were very casually dressed, some were in jeans, and some in their pajamas. They were not organised and had papers all over their table. Some had difficulty finding the papers they wanted the adjudicator to look. Most of the tenants did not have much say as landlords were seeking standard order against them. Standard order is 11 days order for the tenant to pay the rent. In case they are late by a day or short