Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Young People and Criminal Law

People’s Law School
Explains the rights a young person has in dealing with the police or if they’re charged with a crime. Topics include what you should know about the legal framework, if the police stop and question you, if you’re arrested, and if you’re charged but not arrested. It includes how to find a lawyer, and help you can get if you’re in police custody.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, People’s Law School logo, and a photo of five young people with their arms round each other, smiling.

Consequences of a Youth Record

People’s Law School
A youth record sets out a young person’s involvement in Canada’s youth justice system. This booklet contains public legal information on frequently asked questions about a youth record, access to and closure of a youth record, and consequences of a record.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features silhouettes of four people in greyscale above the words “legal Rights” in red, which are above the words “For Youth in British Columbia.”

Driving While Impaired

Legal Rights for Youth in BC (Justice Education Society)
British Columbia has very strict laws about drinking and driving. Alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and liquor, can make you an impaired driver. This resource will help you to understand the law as it relates to impaired driving.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features silhouettes of four people in greyscale above the words “legal Rights” in red, which are above the words “For Youth in British Columbia.”

Being Charged with a Crime: Youth and Criminal Law

Legal Rights for Youth in BC (Justice Education Society)
This resource provides information for young people who have been charged with a crime, including information on youth court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with three blocks of text, the Government of Canada logo, and a small brightly coloured illustration showing the silhouettes of five people.

If Your Child Is in Trouble with the Law

Government of Canada
Provides general information for parents and guardians of children who are in trouble with the law.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Right to a Lawyer

Government of British Columbia
If you are a youth that has been charged with a crime, this page from the Government of BC can help you learn about your right to a lawyer.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth

Government of British Columbia
Explain what sexual exploitation of children and youth is. Topics covered include the organizations, service providers, and community partners preventing sexual exploitation and trafficking (Children of the Street and Community Action Teams). It also describes handouts and toolkits communities can use, and contains links to more resources.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, with the title, two columns of text, and the Government of BC logo. It’s illustrated with line drawings of a sun, a leaf, a person, and a house.

Information on Making It Easier for Young Victims and Witnesses to Testify

Government of British Columbia
This information sheet is part of the Help Starts Here series and provides information for young victims and witnesses who need to testify in court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo of the Community Legal Assistance Society, featuring a workmark in black text with a colorful abstract design on the left around another wordmark "CLAS" consisting of blue, green, purple, and orange shapes.

Discrimination & Human Rights: Information for indigenous People (part 3 of 3)

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
The three-video series provide information about the BC Human Rights Code and how it protects Indigenous people in three areas of life: jobs, tenancy, and access to services. It explains human rights complaints and how the BC Human Rights Tribunal works.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo of the Community Legal Assistance Society, featuring a workmark in black text with a colorful abstract design on the left around another wordmark "CLAS" consisting of blue, green, purple, and orange shapes.

Discrimination & Human Rights: Information for Indigenous People (part 2 of 3)

Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS)
The three-video series provide information about the BC Human Rights Code and how it protects Indigenous people in three areas of life: jobs, tenancy, and access to services. It explains human rights complaints and how the BC Human Rights Tribunal works.
Last reviewed March 2024