Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the word "Canada" and a small Canadian flag above the last "a."

The Little Black Book of Scams (second edition)

Competition Bureau Canada
This easy-to-read guide describes several scams and how to protect yourself. In addition to explaining frauds, including identity theft, it also details what to do if you get scammed and how to get help.
Last reviewed April 2026
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Defending Yourself (charged with a crime)

Legal Aid BC
This website has a flowchart about criminal court process and multiple booklets about defending yourself if you're charged with a crime. The booklets cover mischief, possession of property under $5,000 obtained by crime, possession of an illegal drug, breach of a court order, assault, and theft under $5,000.
Last reviewed April 2026
The logo of the NSRLP's School for Family Litigants

Canadian School for Family Litigants

National Self-Represented Litigants Project
A free online course and a community forum for people who represent themselves in court. The self-paced course is designed for a national Canadian audience in family law. Topics include the basics and foundations for representing yourself, doing legal research, preparing for trial, approaching settlement, and coming to terms with the outcome.
Last reviewed April 2026
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.

Getting a Court-Appointed Lawyer (Section 684 Application) in Appeals Court

Court of Appeal (Justice Education Society)
If you have a court of appeal case and can’t afford a lawyer, this page explains how to apply for a court-appointed lawyer under section 684 of the Criminal Code.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Courtroom Basics

Provincial Court of British Columbia
This page will help you learn basic information about courtrooms, court procedures, and common legal words.
Last reviewed March 2026
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

If Your Sponsor Abuses You

Legal Aid BC
If you’re an immigrant in Canada sponsored by your partner and they are abusing you, find out how to protect yourself or your children.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Protection Orders If There Is a Potential for Violence

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Guides on protection orders against family members, or against anyone else you feel is a danger to you.
Last reviewed March 2026
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Information for All Types of Provincial Court Cases

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Information about preparing for different types of cases in Provincial Court and appearing in court including tips about dress, food, and electronic devices; legal terms; courtroom layout; and the people you will see in a courthouse.
Last reviewed March 2026
Logo features three overlapping hexagons in yellow, red, and blue, with the organization name to the right.

Solution Explorer: Intimate Images

Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
This free and anonymous tool is for those who’d like to make a claim for an intimate image protection order, damages, and a penalty if someone doesn’t comply with an intimate image protection order. It asks you simple questions and gives you customized legal information and options based on your answers. It also has self-help tools and referrals.
Last reviewed March 2026
Emblem featuring a detailed coat of arms with a lion and a unicorn flanking a shield.

Indigenous Sentencing Courts

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Explains Indigenous Sentencing Courts including court locations, how they work, and their goals. These courts are for Indigenous people charged with criminal offences.
Last reviewed March 2026