Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

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
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Child or Young Witness

Government of British Columbia
Explains the help and support available for a child or young person (under 19) who saw a crime being committed, or witnessed suspicious behaviour. This includes information about court for children and young witnesses, including what support you can get if you must appear in court.
Last reviewed August 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Youth Justice Court Trials

People’s Law School
Explains your rights if you’re a young person facing a criminal trial. Learn about what to expect if you appear in court on a criminal charge, from alternatives to trial, what happens if there is a trial, to possible sentences if a judge finds you guilty. It includes who can help finding lawyer, and who can help 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.”

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
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