Prominent Toronto sketch artist David Wall is now permitted to sketch after being ejected from the court.
TORONTO: Prominent sketch artist David Wall has been sketching in open court for decades. However, beginning in 2025, court security and police repeatedly informed him that sketching inside the courtroom was prohibited, culminating in his wrongful ejection from open court in December.
David has visually documented many high-profile proceedings throughout the years. His work has been featured in galleries and news media across Canada. He has donated over 380 paintings and sketches to the Archives of Ontario, helping preserve a unique visual record of Canada’s justice system.
After his ejection, David approached The Democracy Fund (TDF) for assistance.
TDF is pleased to report that its lawyers secured assurances from officials that David will be allowed to sketch freely in open court. Police and court security have been reminded and educated that sketch artists are permitted inside the courtroom and that members of the public are entitled to attend open court proceedings. This affirms the open court principle that helps maintain public confidence in the justice system.
TDF Litigation Director, Adam Blake-Gallipeau, said: "Our client is pleased with the result. The open court principle is foundational to any free and democratic society. Sketch artists like Mr. Wall provide the public with a vital window into the justice system. We are satisfied that, in this case, the result properly reflects the intent of the law."
About The Democracy Fund:
Founded in 2021, The Democracy Fund (TDF) is a Canadian charity dedicated to constitutional rights, advancing education, and opposing religious discrimination. TDF promotes constitutional rights through litigation and public education, and supports an access-to-justice initiative for Canadians whose civil liberties have been infringed by government lockdowns and other public policy responses to the pandemic.