Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Before Trial: Affidavit (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An affidavit is a written statement used to present evidence. This guidebook describes how to prepare an affidavit if you’re representing yourself in Supreme Court. It explains what to put in an affidavit, the structure, and how to fill in the main and technical parts. Includes a sample affidavit.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

After Trial: Costs (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
If you are a party to a Supreme Court action and are successful on a chambers application or at trial, you may request that the other party pay your costs. This guidebook gives an overview of the procedure for assessing costs of civil, non-family claims in BC Supreme Court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

After Trial: Enforcing Court Orders (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
In general, when a judge makes an order, the parties must do what the judge has decided. Enforcing an order means making sure that what the court ordered is done, or executed. Usually you want to collect money that is owing to you.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

After Trial: Orders (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An order needs to be prepared when the court hearing is complete and the court has made an order. The order is the document, filed in the court registry, which sets out the decision of the judge or associate judge. The parties, not the judge, are usually responsible for preparing the order.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Trial: Preparing for Trial (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
The final stage in a court case is the trial. This guidebook gives an overview of trial procedures in civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court in BC. Topics include deciding if you should have a jury, scheduling the trial, what you can use as evidence at trial, and what happens at trial.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Court Process (small claims court)

Small Claims BC (Justice Education Society)
This website explains the process of going to BC small claims court. You can learn more details about each step as you go through the web pages. Find out what to do if you’re being sued and how to sue someone in small claims court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Trial: Witnesses (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of witness basics, including information on preparing your witnesses and questioning your witnesses. This guide also introduces concepts like cross-examinations and hearsay.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Trial: Scheduling a Trial (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction on how to schedule a trial, as well as an overview of jury trials, trial management conferences, the trial record and certificate, and trial deadlines.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features the initials "JES" in green on the left and a grey scale of justice with the text "Justice Education Society" in a circular arrangement around it on the right.

Civil Law Guidebooks

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
A series of guidebooks on the Supreme Court of BC for cases involving a civil matter — claims exceeding $35,000, as well as bankruptcy, personal injury, and contract disputes. Explains everything from starting an action and serving documents to how trial works and how to enforce an order after trial.
Last reviewed March 2024