Criminal Law Handbook for Self-Represented Accused

Canadian Judicial Council

This resource has information for self-represented litigants (SRLs) who have been accused of a crime and are appearing in Canadian criminal court. It includes SRL’s rights and responsibilities, first steps in your criminal case, bail, building your defence, legal research, court processes, jury, sentencing, and more.

Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a close up of the scales of justice.