The "small town" effect also permeates the courtroom. Victims often find themselves sitting in the same waiting room as the accused. Witnesses might be cousins or neighbours. The docket is not just a list of strangers; it is a map of social networks. The judge and the lawyers often face the unenviable task of navigating deep-seated family feuds and community grudges that spill over into the legal arena.
: Online dockets are not official and are subject to change without notice. If you are required to attend, you must appear regardless of what is listed online. Miramichi Court Docket
Limitations to be aware of
Judge Margaret Foley adjusted her reading glasses and peered down at the latest file slid before her. The Miramichi courtroom, with its scuffed wood benches and the faint smell of river dampness clinging to the coats of the fishermen in the gallery, was quieter than usual. Outside, the Miramichi River ran grey and swollen with autumn rain. The "small town" effect also permeates the courtroom