Find websites and materials written in plain language.
BC Provincial Court judgments are located on CanLII (Canadian Legal Information Institute), a national legal information databank. This guide will help you find provincial court decisions, as well as those of federal courts and courts of other provinces.
This article explains the words used for things you’ll find in a BC Provincial Court trial courtroom, show you who sits where, and explain some of the customs you’ll see in court.
Many self-represented litigants find that having a trusted friend or family member with them to provide emotional support, take notes, and organize documents can be a big help. The BC Provincial Court recognizes this, and they’ve adopted guidelines to make it easier to bring a support person to court.
Most people attending court are nervous, but knowing what to expect can help. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have, depending on why you’re going to court.
Tips for attending court, whether in person or by videoconference. There are certain rules that the judge will be expecting you to follow.
The Provincial Court website contains a series of articles written by judges and judicial justices to describe what happens at various proceedings in Provincial Court and offer suggestions on how to prepare for them.
Information you need to attend virtual conferences and hearings at BC Provincial Court.
Explains that small claims court charges filing fees. These can be a barrier for many people. Find out how you can ask to have the fees waived, so you don’t have to pay them. It explains how the court decides whether or not to waive your fees, and the steps you need to take. It also answers some common questions.
Learn about what claims you can bring in small claims court, and what the time limit is. It details the steps in the process (prepare the notice of claim, file the notice of claim on court, serve the notice on the defendant, wait for a reply, and attend the settlement conference). It also answers some common questions.
Trial courts hear evidence and decide cases. British Columbia has two levels of trial court, Provincial Court and Supreme Court. Learn which type of cases each of these courts handle.
