Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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.

Trial: Witnesses (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of witness basics, including information on preparing your witnesses and questioning your witnesses. This guide also introduces concepts like cross-examinations and hearsay.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Trial: Scheduling a Trial (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction on how to schedule a trial, as well as an overview of jury trials, trial management conferences, the trial record and certificate, and trial deadlines.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Trial: Preparing for Trial (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
The final stage in a court case is the trial. This guidebook gives an overview of trial procedures in civil, non-family claims in the Supreme Court in BC. Topics include deciding if you should have a jury, scheduling the trial, what you can use as evidence at trial, and what happens at trial.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Trial: Expert Witnesses (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to who can act as an expert witness, when you may need an expert witness, where to find them, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Trial: Evidence (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to different types of evidence, and the relevance, material facts, and other basic information about evidence.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Limitation Periods (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook gives an overview of time limits, limitation periods, and extension and suspension for civil law matters in BC Supreme Court.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Legal Research (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An introduction to legal research for your civil case, including how to search for cases and where to find help.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Get Legal Help (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of hiring a lawyer, free and low-cost legal help, and how to prepare for a meeting with a lawyer.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Alternatives to Going to Court (civil law)

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
An overview of alternatives to going to court, including the advantages of avoiding court.
Last reviewed March 2024
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.

Civil Law Guidebooks

Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
A series of guidebooks on the Supreme Court of BC for cases involving a civil matter — claims exceeding $35,000, as well as bankruptcy, personal injury, and contract disputes. Explains everything from starting an action and serving documents to how trial works and how to enforce an order after trial.
Last reviewed March 2024