Objectives

The Saint John Mental Health Court commenced on November 24, 2000 as a pilot
project of the Provincial Court of New Brunswick in Saint John.  Over a 3- year
period a model was developed and tested which could be used by the Provincial
Court to deal with those persons with a mental illness or intellectual disability
who are in conflict with the law. In dealing with those persons who suffer from a
mental disorder such that they are unfit to stand trial or not criminally
responsible the court facilitates the required proceedings and hearings.  In
dealing with all others for whom fitness and criminal responsibility was not in
issue, the model developed a process to achieve the following:

(a)  effectively deal with accused persons with a mental illness or intellectual
      disability within the provisions of the Criminal Code.
(b)  provide those accused with effective treatment following the principles
      of least restrictive intervention in the least restrictive environment
      (i.e. reduce unnecessary use of jail)
(c)  protect the rights of the public, the rights of the accused, and the integrity
      of the criminal justice system.
(d)  hold those accused accountable for their behaviour.  

On November 14, 2003 the Saint John Mental Health Court became a permanent program of the Provincial Court in Saint John at a ceremony attended by the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of New Bruswick.

Within the setting of the model, the Mental Health Court has been committed to
reducing the criminalization of the mentally ill and intellectually disabled while
protecting and safeguarding the public. To this end the well being of all citizens is enhanced