Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the cover to the Arrest Handbook, with icons on the bottom including the scales of justice.

The Arrest Handbook

BC Civil Liberties Association
The police are responsible for enforcing the law. While they’re deserving of respect and assistance, they must also respect your legal rights. This booklet has important information about how you can expect the police to act, and how you can respond if you feel the police don’t act properly. It is available in English, French, Punjabi, Spanish...
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover with the title and the BC Civil Liberties Association logo.

Know Your Rights: Injunctions and Contempt of Court

BC Civil Liberties Association
Explains what an injunction is, what contempt of court is, and your rights if you go to court on a contempt of court charge.
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover of the PDF version of the guide, featuring a photo of a hand holding a feather with a scenic view of a sunset over a shoreline.

Legal Information for Indigenous People: National Edition

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people across the continent who are facing legal issues. It provides a national perspective on topics covered in the BC-specific booklet, including your rights and protections, restorative justice, child protection, prisons, crossing the border, wills and estates, and benefits...
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title and a photo of the view from an airplane flying over a lake nestled between snow-capped mountains.

Legal Information for Indigenous People

S.H.E.D. Society of Bella Coola
This booklet provides basic, accessible legal information for Indigenous people facing legal issues. Topics include justice systems, children and families, rights and protections, death and taxes, income security, and class actions. It explains how the laws can vary for people based on their Indigeneity.
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the cover, with the title, photos of people with moving boxes, and adults smiling with children, and the Government of BC logo.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

WelcomeBC (Government of BC)
Moving to a new country can be challenging. This guide has information on getting a job, finding a place to live, health services, banking, getting a driver’s licence, the legal system, and much more.
Last reviewed March 2026
Thumbnail of the handbook cover with a photo of older adults participating in an arts and crafts activity, assisted by a younger woman.

When I’m 64: Services for Older Adults

People’s Law School
This resource explains the services available to help older adults make informed decisions and lead a healthy life as they age. It covers health care, housing, transportation, and recreation services in BC.
Last reviewed January 2026
Logo of the website "Legal Rights for Youth in BC" showing a graphic of seven hands in bright colours forming a circle

Age-Based Rights

Legal Rights for Youth in BC (Justice Education Society)
This guide outlines rights and responsibilities that children and youth have in British Columbia before they turn 19.
Last reviewed December 2025
Logo consists of four coloured shapes forming a square, with the organization name to the right.

Inclusive Investing: Respecting the Rights of Vulnerable Investors through Supported Decision Making

British Columbia Law Institute
These resources explain supported financial investment decision-making for adults living with dementia and other disabilities. They include guides for family and friends helping with decision making, as well as suggestions for facilitators. The resources include Help People Living with Dementia to Understand Their Investment Decision-Making Rights...
Last reviewed December 2025
Logo consists of four coloured shapes forming a square, with the organization name to the right.

Health Care Decision-Making: Legal Rights of People Living with Dementia

British Columbia Law Institute
This booklet was created by the Canadian Centre for Elder Law in consultation with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. to help people living with dementia to understand their health care decision-making rights. It is available in English, French, Punjabi, and Traditional Chinese.
Last reviewed December 2025
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Immigration Law

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter on Canadian immigration law is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It explains the roles of key organizations like IRCC and CBSA, and the different immigration statuses such as permanent residents and foreign nationals.
Last reviewed November 2025