Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Resources for Self-Represented Litigants

Supreme Court of Canada
Explains what is expected of you and what instructions to follow if you bring your own application for leave to appeal or if you’ve been named as a respondent on an application for leave to appeal. Includes information about getting started, guides, and forms.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page, which is four paragraphs of text and a list.

Application to Waive Fees (blank forms)

Supreme Court of British Columbia
A package of forms for when you’re applying to waive court fees in Supreme Court, whether it’s for civil or family issues.
Last reviewed March 2024
First page of PDF with text and no images.

Memorandum from the Court to Self-Represented Litigants: Trial Procedure in Civil and Family Cases

Supreme Court of British Columbia
A 14-page memo from the court written for SRLs going to trial for a civil or family case. It outlines the court’s sitting schedule, courtroom etiquette, stages of a trial, what goes into an opening statement, how to present evidence, and how to question witnesses.
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

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

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.

Trial: Preparing for Trial

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.

Trial: Expert Witnesses

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to who can act as an expert witness, when you may need an expert witness, where to find them, and more.
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: Evidence

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to different types of evidence, and the relevance, material facts, and other basic information about evidence.
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.

Overview: Limitation Periods

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook gives an overview of time limits, limitation periods, and extension and suspension for civil law matters 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.

Overview: Legal Research

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to legal research, including how to search for cases and where to find help.
Last reviewed March 2024