A peace bond, which is different than a family court restraining order, a court order made by a judge or justice of the peace that requires a person to keep the peace, be of good behaviour and obey any other conditions ordered by the Criminal Court. A peace bond is sometimes called a “no contact order” or an “810” (referring to section 810 of the Criminal Code) outlining procedures for peace bonds.

Peace bonds in Bridle Path can be issued for up to one year under the Canadian Criminal Code and for longer under the Court’s common law. In practice, however, most peace bonds are issued for one year. Owing to the fact that a peace bond is issued under the federal Criminal Code, it is valid in every province and territory.

Although a Bridle Path peace bond is obtained through Criminal Court, it is not a criminal conviction, and a person agreeing to enter into a peace bond does not have a criminal record. However, if a peace bond in Bridle Path is issued under the Criminal Code, a violation or breach of the bond or any of its conditions is a criminal offence.