What Is a Joint Document Brief and Why It Matters at Trial

When you’re preparing for a personal injury trial in Ontario, one of the most important tools lawyers use to streamline evidence is the Joint Document Brief (JDB). This powerful tool can significantly reduce time and confusion in court—if used properly.

At Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers, we frequently rely on a Joint Document Brief to present clear, organized evidence that supports our clients’ claims for compensation. A JDB is an agreed-upon collection of documents that both parties intend to rely on at trial. These might include medical reports, photos, police records, and emails. The entire book is marked as a single exhibit, with each document given a tabbed section.

But here’s the catch: not all Joint Document Briefs are created equal. You and the opposing party must agree not just on what’s included, but how the documents can be used. Are they authentic copies? Are they admitted for the truth of their contents, or just as evidence that a document exists?

In personal injury cases, especially when proving liability or damages, these distinctions matter. If the document is not explicitly admitted “for the truth of its contents,” your lawyer may have to call a witness just to confirm what the document says—costing time and money.

Our experienced trial lawyers ensure that every JDB we prepare includes a written, signed agreement outlining exactly how the documents will be used. We also walk through the Joint Book at the start of trial with the judge to avoid surprises. And if the courtroom lacks the tech to display the JDB properly—something we often see in older Ontario courthouses—we come prepared with tablets, printed copies, or other tools to ensure the evidence is clearly visible to jurors and the judge.

If you’re pursuing a personal injury claim and want a law firm that is trial-ready and meticulous in its evidence strategy, contact Auger Hollingsworth. We fight smart and we fight to win.