Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Types of Family Matters Dealt with in Provincial Court

Provincial Court of British Columbia
The Provincial Court handles many types of family matters including parenting arrangements, spousal and child support and their enforcement, child protection, adult guardianship (protection of abused or neglected adults), and child abduction by a parent.
Last reviewed December 2024
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Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed November 2024
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Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Parenting after Separation for Indigenous Families (course)

Government of British Columbia
This free online course is for parents and family members who identify as Indigenous or have children who identify as Indigenous. It helps parents and family members make decisions about caring for their children after separation or divorce. Learn about guardianship, parenting arrangements, contact, spousal and child support, and using mediation.
Last reviewed November 2024
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Indigenous Sentencing Courts

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains Indigenous Courts including court locations, how they work, and their goals.
Last reviewed September 2024
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LSLAP Manual: Youth Justice

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It includes an overview of criminal procedure and sentencing in the youth justice context.
Last reviewed September 2024
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First Nations/Indigenous Courts

Legal Aid BC
Explains that if you identify as Aboriginal or Indigenous and you plead guilty to a crime or are found guilty, you might be able to have your bail or sentencing hearing in a First Nations/Indigenous Court in BC. These are criminal sentencing courts that focus on balancing rehabilitation, accountability, and healing.
Last reviewed September 2024
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Child or Young Victim

Explains the help available for children who are victims of crime. This includes agencies that can help and the PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) programs which provide group and individual counselling for children aged three to eighteen.
Last reviewed August 2024
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Knowing Your Rights

Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Explains the laws ensuring children are protected from harm, have access to basic needs, and have a voice to participate in society. These include criminal laws about online sexual violence and sextortion.
Last reviewed August 2024
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Sentencing (information sheet)

Government of British Columbia
This fact sheet explains what a judge considers when sentencing in criminal court and the types of sentences can be given. It also talks about pre-sentence reports, victim impact statements, and the sentencing of Indigenous persons.
Last reviewed August 2024