
Common Questions
What's the difference between civil, family and criminal law?A good starting point includes:
- Courts of BC site from the Justice Education Society of BC is a website that includes a section on Civil Law.
Administrative Law is a form of general civil law that involves a legal action between a person or organization and a government agency, such as the Residential Tenancy Branch or the Labour Relations Board of BC. Some administrative law cases ask for a review of a government decision at a hearing of a board (or tribunal). Good starting points include:
- Administrative Law BC from the Justice Education Society of BC, is a website that explains what administrative law is and provides a directory of over 100 tribunals and agencies, and further help.
- The common question I’m preparing for a tribunal. Where can I find out what to do?
- Introduction to Family Law from the Canadian Bar Association gives an overview of topics such as common problems, related laws, and words and phrases.
- Introduction to the Legal System for Family Matters in JP Boyd on Family Law provides information on the courts of British Columbia, including the types of claims heard in each court.
- Family Law in BC website from Legal Services Society has a wide range of family law information from basic fact sheets to self-help kits to complete court forms.
- Charging Someone with a Criminal Offence, from the Canadian Bar Association, and If You are Charged with a Crime from Legal Services Society provide basic information on criminal law procedure.
- Defending Yourself Against a Criminal Charge from Legal Services Society provides legal information for people who are defending themselves in criminal court.
Last reviewed November 2017
- tags
- civil law, family law, administrative law, criminal law, different kinds of courts, defending yourself, contracts, wills, property, personal injury, administrative tribunals