Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

The CanLII Primer: Legal Research Principles and CanLII Navigation for Self-Represented Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This primer is designed to help self-represented litigants (SRLs) navigate CanLII in order to prepare for the presentation of their cases — in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation. CanLII (canlii.org) is a free legal service that can be accessed by anyone on the web.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman working on a laptop. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

So You’re Representing Yourself: A Primer to Help You Get Ready to Represent Yourself in Family or Civil Court

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This “getting you started” primer will give you an overview of the process if you’re planning to be a self-represented litigant in family or civil court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover, which features an image of a man working on a computer, along with the NSRLP logo and the logo for The Canadian Bar Association.

Settlement Smarts: Tips on Effectively Using Negotiation, Mediation and Judge-Led Settlement Processes

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This primer helps you prepare and navigate the settlement processes you may encounter during your time as a self-represented litigant. Includes personal and strategic tips specific to the process.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and author's name on a white background, with the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Windsor Law logo.

Reading and Understanding Case Reports: A Guide for Self-Represented Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This guide helps self-represented litigants (SRLs) with reading case reports. It gives advice on how to read and use case law in their legal research and is a companion to the CanLll primer. It includes a glossary of important terms and a list of court abbreviations.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman typing on a laptop. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

How to Order a Court Transcript Across Canada

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This guide outlines the steps for ordering court transcripts in each province or territory. It compiles information from court websites, from telephone and email conversations with court services and transcript services at different courthouses, and from legal professionals.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with title and a photo of a the arms and lower body of two men, with a judge’s gavel in the foreground.

Critical Judicial Decisions for Self-Represented Litigants: Using Important Case Law That Establishes Rights for Self-Represented Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This primer contains a concise summary of Pintea v. Johns. It also demonstrates a number of ways that Pintea may be successfully applied in a legal argument, and highlights specific limitations as well. It also includes summaries of two other very important decisions for SRLs that you can use.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman typing on a laptop. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

Coping with the Courtroom: A Primer to Help You Navigate the Written (and Unwritten) Rules of the Courtroom

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
Provides info on what to expect on your day in court. For example, what does the courtroom look like? When do I stand and sit? How do I address the judge? Includes practical information on how to present your evidence, object, question witnesses, and make opening and closing statements.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover with a photo of a woman typing on a laptop. She is smiling and has a cup of coffee nearby. The cover also has the National Self-Represented Litigants Project logo and the Canadian Bar Association logo.

A Guide for SRLs with Disabilities: Understanding Your Rights and Requesting the Assistance You Need

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
This guide is for self-represented litigants (SRLs) who are also people with disabilities (PWDs). It provides information on disability accommodations and resources in the justice system. It includes a sample letter of accommodation request and what to do if you’re still experiencing barriers.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the cover, with title and a photo of two women facing away, hands raised in V sign, looking towards the mountains. The MOSAIC and Law Foundation logos are at the bottom.

Enhance Access to Safety for International Students

MOSAIC
This booklet provides legal education, sexual violence awareness, and community resources for international students in remote/underserved areas in BC. It includes information on the law and consent, reporting sexual assault to the police, legal protection options, and human rights law.
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