Preparing for court

This 20 page outline takes you through purpose and structure, how to prepare, consequences (what to do if you get an agreement and what if you do not), and is packed with practical tips on how to think about settlement strategy from mediators, judges and lawyers – and other SRLs.

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

This publication provides step-by-step general information about what is involved in going to Provincial Court in Alberta (now the Alberta Court of Justice).

An instructional video from the Canadian Bar Association Alberta branch demonstrates the basics of procedure in civil court for non-lawyers. It is about 25 minutes in length, and uses common types of courtroom disputes to explain the kinds of evidence you may need for your case as well as how to organize and present that evidence to the judge.

This webpage from the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) contains a listing of links to federal boards and tribunals in Canada (scroll halfway down the page). For a list of provincial and territorial boards and tribunals, click on the province/territory in the list on the left hand menu bar and then scroll down to the Boards and Tribunals list.

This website from Alberta Courts provides access to videos about the various Mediation programs available for the Civil (non-family) Mediation program and the Family and Child Intervention

This section of the Alberta Courts website provides information about court locations around the province, contact information and sittings.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Court of Queen’s Bench, the Provincial Court and administrative tribunals. Court of Appeal sittings are held in Edmonton and Calgary and serve the entire Province of Alberta. This website provides access to publications and forms relevant to Alberta’s Court of Appeal.

E-filing is for filing Alberta Court of Appeal documents only, specifically, Transcripts or E-Appeals (which consist of facta and supporting materials).

This section of the Alberta Court of Justice website explains about using mediation to resolve a lawsuit. You may request mediation or the court may select your lawsuit for mediation once a Dispute Note has been filed. This program is free to the parties involved.

The Court of Queen’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of Queen’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters.

The Court of King’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of King’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. Civil law guides compensation when people have suffered injury and financial loss caused by negligence or any wrongful act, or under contract, business, property and other law. The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta hears civil proceedings, including commercial matters, personal injury, bankruptcy and insolvency cases, and litigation involving wills and estates and dependent adults. The Court also hears appeals from the Provincial Court of Alberta in respect of civil cases under $50,000.This website provides access to the forms, templates and related publications needed for the Court of King’s Bench.

The Court of Queen’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of Queen’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. This website provides access to the forms needed for the Court of Queen’s Bench.

The Court of King’s Bench is the Superior Trial Court for the Province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Provincial Court. The Chief Justice and other Justices of the Court of King’s Bench are also judges of Surrogate Matters, which has jurisdiction over probate and administration of estate matters. The Court of King’s Bench of Alberta has sole jurisdiction over divorce and the division of property in the Province of Alberta, and presides over matters involving child and spousal support and child custody and access.

Court and Justice Services (CJS) provides administrative support to all the courts within the province, including electronic legal information services through Alberta Law Libraries.

CJS offer: legal information services for the public on court procedures and legal services options; assistance with locating and filling out court forms; referrals to other community legal services, as well as dispute resolution services for child support, family and child medication, conflict intervention, family mediation, and civil mediation. 

Family Justice Services are a group of programs and services offered by Alberta Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta. This webpage provides general information for those who are representing themselves in a family matter in either Court of Queen’s Bench or The Provincial Court of Alberta. Family Law includes all of the legal issues that arise when couples separate or when parties are parenting children together. Family Law does not include criminal charges against a family member, or issues that arise when a family member dies. This site provides general information only.

A series of videos that gives instructions to complete and file the paperwork required to get a divorce in Alberta.

The Alberta Human Rights Act establishes the Alberta Human Rights Commission to carry out functions under the act. The Commission is an independent commission created by the Government of Alberta, which reports to the Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. The Commission has a two-fold mandate: to foster equality and to reduce discrimination. It fulfills this mandate through public education and community initiatives, through the resolution and settlement of complaints of discrimination, and through human rights tribunal and court hearings.

Search for decisions that have been made through the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal using the Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII).

Alberta, like all Canadian jurisdictions, has provincial sanctions that apply to impaired driving in addition to criminal penalties imposed by the courts under the Criminal Code of Canada. Federal penalties for impaired driving can include driving prohibitions, fines, jail time and participation in an ignition interlock program.

The Alberta Labour Relations Board is the independent and impartial tribunal responsible for the day-to-day application and interpretation of Alberta’s labour laws. The Board administers and interprets the Labour Relations Code and other laws focused on unionized workplaces. The Board actively encourages dispute resolution, employs officers for investigations and makes major policy decisions.

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

This website is provided as a free service to Albertans seeking limited scope legal services. Check out their Guide for Clients which is intended to help clients understand the legal service options available, and whether limited legal services are right for you. The site also provides a listing of Alberta lawyers participating in the service.

The Alberta Resotrative Justice Association (ARJA) is a group of organizations and individuals who practice Restorative Justice. The Association supports existing and new Restortaive Justice initiatives in Alberta.

The Rules of Court as published by Alberta King’s Printer are available for free download in PDF format: Volume 1 – Alberta Rules of Court AR 124/2010 at 692 pages and Volume 2 – Alberta Rules of Court Supplemental Information at 506 pages.

Download forms for applying to the Alberta Court of King’s Bench dealing with non-contentious surrogate (wills and estates) matters.

This booklet from Family Law Education for Women explains alternative dispute resolution and when to use it in dealing with family law issues. (PDF – 8 pages)

The Alberta Dispute Resolution Institute of Alberta is a not for profit organization which provides education and information to its members and the general public on solving disputes more effectively. They provide an annually updated Directory of Arbitrators and Mediators in Alberta.

From the website of the Canadian Judicial Council, this section talks about how litigation (starting a legal action and having your case heard in court) is only one way to resolve a dispute. You can resolve your dispute with or without the involvement of lawyers and without using the court system. These methods are called “alternate dispute resolution” (ADR).

How to apply for an order that determines which guardian is directly responsible for the child and has the right to visit the child. This Alberta government website provides information on how to apply and file your order. It also has links to the relevant forms and information that will assist you in completeing the forms correctly.

This electronic resource guide, often called the ERG, has been published online by ASIL since 1997. Since then it has been systematically updated and continuously expanded. The chapter format of the ERG is designed to be used by students, teachers, practitioners and researchers as a self-guided tour of relevant, quality, up-to-date online resources covering important areas of international law. The ERG also serves as a ready-made teaching tool at graduate and undergraduate levels.

The Calgary Drug Treatment Court has been in operation since 2007, providing the only community alternative to incarceration for non-violent drug-addicted offenders whose crimes are driven by drug addiction. CDTC is an evidence-based program that integrates court intervention and treatment services to end drug-driven crime and assist participants to return to family, work and community.

From the Great Library of the Law Society of Upper Canada, this web page provides annotated links to case law as well as case-related services and information available mainly on the websites of Alberta courts and administrative tribunals.

CCAA is supports professionals, communities, victims and witnesses involved in the investigation of child abuse through the development and delivery of educational products and services; promotion of a coordinated, interdisciplinary approach to child abuse investigations; identification and response to key issues and concerns of child abuse investigators; advocacy for excellence and professionalism in the investigation of child abuse; promotion of the well-being of children and families going through the investigative process; provision of professional training and research.

This online resource is written and maintained by Catherine Best, a research lawyer with Boughton Law Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia, and former Director of Legal Research and Writing at the UBC Faculty of Law. It features information on research essentials (strategy, methods and writing), electronic research (using free and commercial services), and statutory and jurisdiction research.

A collaborative dictionary comprised, initially, of terms defined in glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law. The dictionary is maintained by an Irwin Law editor.

The Canadian Legal Information Institute (CanLII) is a not-for-profit organization initiated by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. CanLII’s goal is to make primary sources of Canadian law accessible for free on the Internet. CanLII seeks to gather legislative and judicial texts, as well as legal commentaries, from federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions on a single Web site.

The goal of this document is to help self-represented litigants (SRLs) navigate CanLll in order to prepare for the presentation of their cases – in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation

This information is written for new and long-term Calgarians, homeowners or tenants looking for more information about their responsibilities within their neighbourhood. It is a quick reference to help you get started. See also: the Good Neighbour Practices Reference Guide which is an overview of municipal bylaws governing neighbourhood issues.

This website offers information to consider before you sue, if you are being sued, and the process that is involved. Information that is available on this website includes: The Basics; Civil Claim Flowchart; Before You Sue; Is it Worth Suing?; If You Have to Sue Someone; Forms Needed for a Civil Claim; Service of Documents; If You are Being Sued; Mediation and Pre-Trial Conferences; Adjournments; Default Judgment; Preparation for the Hearing; Witnesses; Courtroom Etiquette; After the Appearance; and Appeals.

Do you need help with a civil matter in Provincial Court? Volunteer lawyers can provide legal advice, information on court procedures, help preparing for trials, motions and other appearances, including help completing forms. This service is available at the Calgary Courts Centre. Assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The program does not assist with: family, criminal or corporate law matters, matters in Court of Queen’s Bench or other Appeal Courts, and pre-trial conferences and mediations.

Do you need help with a civil matter in Provincial Court? Civil Claims Duty Counsel can provide help with: summary legal advice, procedural information, help with trials, mortions and other appearances, an help completing forms. The service is available at the Edmonton Law Courts Building. Please note: This program does not assist with family or criminal law matters.

On this Alberta Provincial Court webpage you will find pages that sets out the Civil Claims Process. The content has been ordered based on the flow that a Civil Claim action goes through in Provincial Court Civil.

The “Civil Matters: What to Do in Court” video provides tips and information on how to prepare for a Civil Claims trial if you are a Plaintiff, Defendant or Witness, including what documents you may need, how to present evidence, and how to address the judge. Video Transcripts are available in:  English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Hindi | Punjabi | Urdu

The Collaborative Family Law Process is about cooperation, not confrontation where clients sign a contract agreeing not to go to court. It is mediation and problem solving with collaborative lawyers where clients try to understand each other. Each client is responsible for information gathering and solutions. This website features general information about collaborative law (definitions, process, resources) and a list of collaborative law professionals in Alberta.

You have been successful in obtaining a Judgment of the Civil Division of the Provincial Court or the Court of Queen’s Bench and you would like to collect on it from the defendant/enforcement debtor. This can be a difficult process and you should consider seeing a lawyer. If you decide to act on your own behalf, this brochure outlines the procedures and forms required by the Court of Queen’s Bench Clerk’s office. It is for information only, and is not to be interpreted as the law. Forms can be purchased from Queen’s Printer Bookstores and most stationery stores. (PDF – 40 pages)

This online resource from the Student Legal Services of Edmonton includes information about common law relationships and the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act, property rights, other benefits and statutes (Alberta) and Federal Acts. This resource is also available to download as a PDF.

This primer, published by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project, is packed with the information and practical self-help tips for preparing yourself, emotionally and technically, for court. It includes a section on self-care tips; a section on preparing for court; a section on appearing in court (generic and not specific for any one jurisdiction, family or civil courts); and finally a collection of ten top practical tips from self-represented litigants on “what works”. This 25-page PDF is available for free download.

The goal of the Court Assistance Program (King’s Bench Amicus Program) is to improve access to justice for self-represented litigants appearing in King’ Bench Justice and Masters Chambers. This program brings volunteer lawyers into Chambers, where they act as ‘amicus curiae’ and help the court understand the issues related and the positions taken by unrepresented litigants. The  program offers opportunity for courtroom advocacy in a positive environment, which can give great skills-building experience for lawyers and students, and the program is beneficial for overall professional development, mentoring, networking, building collegiality, and enhancing the public image of the legal profession.  This service is available in Calgary and Edmonton. Check with the courthouse for dates and times.

This website provides a wide range of information about the Cout Martial Appeal Court. This Court hears appeals from military courts which are known as courts martial. The courts martial have power to try military personnel and civilians accompanying such personnel abroad for crimes and offences against the Code of Service Discipline.

The booklets area series of plain language family court booklets to enable parties to better understand and access the court for applications dealing with custody, access, child support or spousal support under the Divorce Act.

Search for actions in Civil, Family, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Apeals, Surroget – Estate and Surrogate – Represented Adult. Use this online form to request a search of civil actions in Alberta Court of King’s Bench, or to request a search of a specific action either by party name or by court action/ file number.

You use an Originating Application when you do not already have an action in the Court of King’s Bench, and you want to make an application like the following:

• Judicial Review;
• Enforcement of a Judgment from outside Alberta;
• Applications where there is no person to serve as defendant;
• Applications under a statute, where the statute tells you to use an Originating Application, or where the statute says to make a court application, but doesn’t say how to do it

This information discusses the procedures of the Civil Division of the Provincial Court. The Civil division is often referred to as Small Claims Court. The purpose is to make you aware of your legal rights and responsibilities.
Information is provided by Calgary Legal Guidance funded in part by the Alberta Law Foundation.

This website has multimedia presentations (videos) that provide information on presenting a family matters case in Chambers. The website was created by the Law Courts Education Society of  British Columbia but a lot of the information is relevant to other jurisdictions.

Going to court? Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. (Video) Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts.

This resource helps parents walk through the steps of creating parenting plan. A parenting plan is a written document that outlines how parents will raise their children after separation or divorce. This interactive tool will give you some options to develop a personalized parenting plan. This tool is not intended as legal advice.

The Criminal Code of Canada (C-46) provided by the Department of Justice Canada. This Act is also available to download as a PDF.

Criminal justice process for adults. The chart flows from top to bottom unless indicated otherwise.

Chart describing criminal justice process for youth.

This guide provides key resources related to Impaired Driving Offences in Canada. It also includes materials dealing with non-criminal impaired driving offences within the legislation of the province of Alberta. Topics in this guide include:

• Defences
• Evidentiary issues
• Impaired driving devices
• Sentencing/Penalties

This website section from the RCMP explains the process for getting a criminal record check. You may need a criminal record check for various purposes, including: employment, adoption, international travel, volunteer work, citizenship, name change, student placement or to obtain a record suspension (formerly pardon).

The purpose of this guideline is to set out the criteria to be considered in initiating, prosecuting, and discontinuing appeals to the Court of Appeal of Alberta.

A website of King’s University Library.

These links are provided by the Government of Alberta and are intended for those who are considering or are going through divorce. There are links related to: Mediation; Finding a Lawyer; Finding Your Own Legal Information; Filing for Divorce; Ordering a Divorce Certificate; Changing Your Name; Changing Your Address; Child Support; Government Financial Assistance Programs; Custody and Access; Counselling and Assistance; and Family Violence Help and Prevention Resources.

This Alberta court page providesaccess to forms and instructions to complete an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is one where custody, access (parenting) and support have been settled.  The forms do not deal with property division.

Ted Tjaden is a lawyer/law librarian working as the Coordinator, Information Services at the Bora Laskin Law Library at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, where he teaches legal research and writing to law students. His online guide provides information and links to print and online resources about the Canadian legal system, primary and secondary legal resources, legal organizations and publishers, and offers a section categorized by legal topic.

A publication of Student Legal Services of Alberta. It covers: basic definitions, licence rules, ways a licence can be suspended, and how to appeal a suspension /disqualification or Criminal code offence conviction.

Duty Counsel are lawyers who assist people without a lawyer and can offer limited advice. Duty Counsel services are provided free of charge.

Probono Law Alberta provides help for individuals through their Court Based Programs.PBLA engages volunteer lawyers in programs operating out of the Calgary Court Centre and Edmonton Law Courts. Visit their website for locations and times.

The Edmonton Community Drug Strategy (ECDS) is a call to action for governments, community leaders, agencies and organizations to develop an Edmonton strategy targeting young people up to 24-years of age, with an emphasis on preventing and reducing the harmful impacts of alcohol and illicit drug misuse.

The Edmonton Community Legal Centre is a non profit organization that offers free legal information, advice and representation for people living with low income in the Edmonton area. The Centre helps individuals and families who have legal problems in the following areas: Landlord and Tenant; Employment/ Wrongful Dismissal; Small Claims; Income Support Advocacy; Human Rights; Debt; Immigration. The Centre also offers a Commissioner for Oaths Clinc once a month – see https://www.eclc.ca/programs-services-commissioner-of-oaths-clinic/ for information. The Centre is also part of the PBLA Civil Claims Duty Counsel project out of the Provincial Court. Members of the public can receive 30 minutes of summary legal advice on a first come first serve basis. NOTE: The Centre is not able to provide assistance in the areas of criminal law.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is available through the Edmonton Police Service Professional Standards Branch to address citizen complaints involving the police.The page on the EPS website provides information on the process and benefits of the service.

Family Court Counsellors provide services, at no cost, to families who are involved in parenting disputes and are living separate and apart. The service is designed for people who are not represented by a lawyer. Services may include: Information on options and services for resolving family issues; Referrals to services and programs including mediation; Information on the effects of separation and divorce on children; Help to negotiate agreements; Assistance with court applications, arranging court dates and presenting the case in Provincial Court.

Family Justice Services are a group of programs and services offered by Alberta Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta. Family Justice Services works directly with individuals and also with the judges of the Alberta Provincial Court and Court of Queen’s Bench to help people get appropriate solutions for their family law issues.

The Federal Court is Canada’s national trial court which hears and decides legal disputes arising in the federal domain, including claims against the Government of Canada, civil suits in federally-regulated areas and challenges to the decisions of federal tribunals. Its authority derives primarily from the Federal Courts Act.

The Privy Council Office has created an online database that allows users to search for federal Orders in Council (OICs) made between 1990 and the present. Check it out here if you are looking for a Federal Order in Council.

Going to court? Here are some tips and information on understanding your foreclosure matter. (Video) Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts.

The FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children is a joint collaboration between academics at Simon Fraser University and community and women’s organizations working at the grass-roots level. The FREDA Centre is committed to participatory action research, focused specifically on violence against women and children, and works in the interests of the community to end this violence.

Information on getting a divorce in Alberta. Provides general information on how to apply, what forms are required, and how to request a Certificate of Divorce.

Your first meeting with a lawyer is an important step in dealing with your legal dispute. In addition to giving you a chance to meet each other, you can also learn a lot about your legal dispute, and what the result is likely to be. This resource is produced by  the Justice Education Society of BC. It walks you through the process of meeting with a lawyer for the first time: what to expect, how to prepare and things you will want to know.

GlobaLex is an electronic legal publication dedicated to international and foreign law research. Published by the Hauser Global Law School Program at NYU School of Law, GlobaLex is committed to the dissemination of high-level international, foreign, and comparative law research tools in order to accommodate the needs of an increasingly global educational and practicing legal world. The guides and articles published are written by scholars well known in their respective fields and are recommended as a legal resource by universities, library schools, and legal training courses.

This Glossary of Parliamentary Procedure is produced by Procedural Services of the House of Commons for the information of the general public.

A glossary of terms created by the Supreme Court of Canada as part of their Resources for Self-Represented Litigants website resource.

This legal glossary, provided by Justice Ontario, is a basic guide to common legal terms. Different terms may have different meanings based on the specific area of law or the context in which they are being used. You can browse the list alphabetically or search for a specific term.

When you are going to court, there are some procedures and protocols that you need to follow. You will find information here on court etiquette, court procedures, and appeals and transcripts.

The Great Library serves the legal information needs of Law Society members and other legal researchers by facilitating access to an extensive collection of print and electronic resources, and by providing legal research assistance and instruction.

The Guide is meant to act as a resource for lawyers to learn about historical and cultural elements that provide context for the professional relationship between an Indigenous person and their lawyer. It also provides tools to help lawyers represent Indigenous clients as effectively as possible, and a number of resources to encourage lawyers to continue their education. The Advocates’ Society, in partnership with the Indigenous Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario, developed the Guide for Lawyers Working with Indigenous Peoples.

This publication by Community Legal Assistance Society (BC) will help you prepare for your interview with a lawyer. It describes what information to gather and how to collect necessary documents and prepare your written statement. It then explains four guidelines for communicating effectively in the interview. It also includes two worksheets to help with information gathering. (PDF – 6 p.)

These handbooks developed by the Canadian Judicial Council are intended as helpful guides for people who are navigating the justice system without a lawyer to prepare and present their legal case. The Council has created three handbooks that contain a wealth of information on family law, civil law and criminal law in Canada. The information is provided in an easy to understand format, with various worksheets, useful tips, explanations of legal terms and concrete examples to guide litigants throughout the legal process.

To view the handbooks, click on the links below:

• Civil Law Handbook
• Criminal Law Handbook
• Family Law Handbook

To view all resources of the Canadian Judicial Council see: https://cjc-ccm.ca/en/resources-centre

These video resources have been  produced by Alberta Justice – Resolution Services to assist Albertans going through the divorce process.  – There are four vidoes which provide information on the following:

1. A guide to divorce where there are dependent children, one spouse prepares the paperwork, and the other spouse is served with that paperwork. This video tells you about: what an uncontested divorce is.
2. A guide to divorce without dependent children, one spouse prepares the paperwork, and the other spouse is served with that paperwork. This video tells you about: how to fill in the Statement of Claim for Divorce.
3. A guide to divorce where there are dependent children, both spouses do the paperwork together, and come to the courthouse together.
4. A guide to divorce where there are no dependent children, both spouses do the paperwork together, and come to the courthouse together.

From the public portion of the Law Society of Alberta website, this section provides information to guide the public in finding and working with a lawyer. This is a guide to how the legal process works, understanding lawyer fees and other frequently asked questions.

This article from Lawyers.com lists the warning signs that your work with a lawyer is not going well and provides some tips for making the change.

The Human Rights Glossary includes terminology related to human rights in the Canadian context. The glossary contains terms used by the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) and the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT). Created in 1977 by Parliament, this tribunal is the only entity that may legally decide whether a person or organization has engaged in a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. An administrative tribunal specializing in the field of human rights, the CHRT is similar to a court of law, but is less formal.

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is Canada’s largest independent administrative tribunal. It is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law. The IRBdecides, among other responsibilities, who needs refugee protection among the thousands of claimants who come to Canada annually.

This information on impaired driving laws in Canada is prepared by Canada Dept. of Justice. It covers:

• Drug-impaired driving and
• Alcohol-impaired driving

It is important to note that provinces and territories have additional laws or regulations that may apply.

This booklet outlines some basic information you must be aware of if you plead not guilty to an offence and are planning to represent yourself without a lawyer at your trial. It also provides some advice on how to find a lawyer.

This booklet explains what happens during the criminal trial process. This information will help you prepare for your trial if you don’t have a lawyer. If you choose to represent yourself, you are
still subject to the law, including rules of procedure and the laws of evidence.

This booklet offers some basic information that you should be aware of if you choose to represent yourself in Provincial Court – Family. The booklet focuses on preparing for and conducting a trial when you are not represented by a lawyer. This booklet includes information about:

• Resolution options and services that can help you solve your family law issues
• Making a Family Law Act application in the Provincial Court of Alberta
• Answers to questions many people have
• Court processes and court language
• How to find a lawyer
• Preparing for trial if you do not have a lawyer

A collaborative dictionary comprised, intially, of terms defined in glossaries of Canadian law books published by Irwin Law. The dictionary will be maintained by an Irwin Law editor. Members of the public are invited to submit new defined terms, edit existing terms and supply citations, sources and related terms.

Judicial Dispute Resolution (JDR) is a confidential pre-trial settlement conference led by a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench. The objective of a JDR is to resolve the dispute so a trial will be either unnecessary, or at most limited to those issues on which the parties do not agree.

Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system. Through participation in the jury system, people in a community play a direct role in the administration of justice and help to maintain all of our own rights and freedoms. On this webpage you will find information on serving on a jury, eligibility and information regarding a Juror Summons.

This page from Justice Canada provides links to reference sources on the Canadian justice system, legislation, the courts, and other public justice institutions.

This project assists self-represented litigants with their civil claims in Calgary’s Queen’s Bench Masters and Justice Chambers. The project includes a “storefront” afternoon shift where self-represented litigants and get summary legal information regarding civil matters in the follow areas of law: civil, bankruptcy, real estate, and court procedure. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning and afternoon.

This is a database that allows people to find a lawyer using a certain search criteria. Individuals can find a lawyer by searching by name, location, practice areas, language(s) spoken, gender, and whether a lawyer offers a limited scope retainers.

This online legal dictionary has been prepared by Legal Aid Alberta. Definitions are arranged alphabetically and any terms that you may need in your dealings with Legal Aid Alberta are given a second definition specific to how they relate to LAA.

A dictionary of legal terms offered by the Justice Education Society of British Columbia.

How is Your Legal Health? The goal of the Legal Health Checks is to encourage people to recognize legal problems early, and to take action when problems are identified. For lawyers, these materials are a way to start conversations with people about the law, how to get legal help and how to work effectively with a lawyer. Topics include:

• General legal advice
• Money matters
• Relationships, separation and divorce
• Youth
• Seniors
• Business and Employment

Learn the importance of developing a good search strategy in order to quickly and effectively answer legal questions. This web page is the starting point for the University of Ottawa learning modules about legal research. Topics include: searching using keywords and Boolean logic, secondary sources, legal journals, case law, using CanLII, federal legislation, and legal citations.
University of Ottawa.

These online research guides are provided by the University of Calgary and include: University of Calgary Law Library Research Guides; Other Canadian Research Guides; Non-Canadian Legal Research Guides; Internet Research Guides; Abbreviations; and Legal Citation guides.

Legaltree.ca is a collaboratively built website with research resources maintained by the site administrators, and legal literature contributed by lawyers in the Canadian legal community. They also provide a directory of Canadian lawyers.

Information on how to appeal a decision made in the Court of King’s Bench, including small claims, family law claims and conviction offences.

This court procedure booklet tells you what steps to take when:

1. You are making an application in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta;
2. You already have a court file (e.g. divorce, family property, common law property);
3. The application you want to make is NOT under the Family Law Act; and
4. You have chosen not to get a lawyer and will be representing yourself throughout the court process.

The mission of the Metis Settlements Appeal Tribunal (MSAT) is to promote self-governance, certainty, and respect within the Metis Settlements through adjudication, mediation and education. MSAT deals with land and membership disputes. MSAT also amends right of entry orders and settles compensation disputes for oil and gas activities on Settlement lands. MSAT may resolve other matters as called for in Metis Settlements General Council Policies and local Settlement by-laws.

The publication of these guidelines received the endorsement of the Canadian Judicial Council. For the jury to follow and apply the guidelines, they must be clear, complete and accurate. A directive model meets these objectives. However, the existence of model guidelines does not mean that there is only one way to instruct a jury on a given topic. A model directive aims to convey essential information that should be provided to a jury in a simple, understandable and correct language. These guidelines provide an example of how this can be done.

Vancouver Community College has created this glossary of 5000 Canadian legal and court-related terms in English Plain Language, and their equivalents in six other languages (Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese). The glossary is intended not only for court interpreters, but for everyone participating in court or legal processes.

The National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) is committed to advancing understanding of the challenges and hard choices facing the very large numbers of Canadians who come to court without counsel. The Project works to promote dialogue and collaboration among all those affected by the self-represented litigant phenomenon, both justice system professionals and litigants themselves. They publish resources designed specifically for SRLs, as well as research reports that examine the implications for the justice system.

Research assistance, subject guides, and useful resources compiled by the NATO librarians. Use the tabs to navigate through the individual guides. Topics include: Arctic Security; Cyberspace Security; Maritime Security; Missile Defence; Women, Peace and Security; NATO’s New Strategic Concept; Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan; and Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.

Appeals Officers in occupational health and safety, designated by the Minister of Labour and grouped under an administrative structure known as the Occupational Health and Safety Tribunal Canada (Tribunal), exercise the functions of an administrative tribunal.The mission of the Appeals Officers is to ensure expert, independent, unbiased quality service to all parties by treating them equally, fairly and with understanding, respect and dignity.

The Office of the Appeals Advisor (OAA) was established to advance the interests of injured workers and their dependants. Appeals advisors are all certified in Tribunal Administrative Justice, are specialists in interpreting and applying the Workers’ Compensation Act and WCB policies. They will walk you through the appeals process and act as your representative throughout. The OAA acts independently of WCB when representing workers and, whenever possible, they try to work directly with WCB’s customer service areas to resolve issues so that a formal appeals hearing is not necessary. There is no charge to you for this service.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, mandated to work with vulnerable young people. 

This includes young people receiving or attempting to access services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act; or who are involved with the youth justice system. 

From the Great Library of the Law Society of Upper Canada, this guide provides annotated links to case law as well as case-related services and information available mainly on the websites of Canadian courts and administrative tribunals.

How to order a Provincial Court or Court of King’s Bench courtroom transcript.

This webpage on the Provincial Court of Alberta website provides information on alternative to going to court (mediation, and dispute resolution services), where to get help, and what you need to know when going to court.

The Provincial Court Court Criminal Clerks are able to assist in providing information for Provincial Court Criminal matters regarding jfudicial procedures, court appearance, trial dates, adkournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpeonas, witness fees, and payment of fines. They do not provide legal advice or handle traffic matters.

The PSLRB is an independent quasi-judicial statutory tribunal that is responsible for administering the collective bargaining and grievance adjudication systems in the federal public service and in Parliament.

A glossary of terms that may be encountered when dealing in real estate.

This booklet produced by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) explains how the legal process works in Alberta. The booklet has information for people who were legally married and people who lived in a common law relationship.

This guide, prepared by the Bora Laskin Law Library, explains how to conduct legal research in Canada. It is aimed at the first-time legal researcher and will be most useful if the steps and sources in the guide are followed in the order given. The “Where to Go” section is specific to Ontario, but the rest of the guide is appropriate for any jurisdiction.

The Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) offers landlords and tenants an alternative means of resolving serious disputes outside of court. A tenant or a landlord who has concerns related to an eviction, unpaid rent/utilities, security deposit, damages, repairs or other common disagreements can use the service.

The purpose of this online pamphlet from the Department of Justice Canada  is to provide you with information to help you think of different ways of resolving your disputes without going to court. You will learn about some different dispute resolution options and how to find people who offer services in the field. You can use this information to find a process that best meets your needs.

This portal provides information and instructions on what is expected of you when you bring your own application for leave to appeal or when you have been named as a respondent on an application for leave to appeal. An application for leave to appeal is a document by which a party requests leave to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada in an appeal from a judgment of a court of appeal. Visit this website for more information and instructions.

Created and maintained by the University of Toronto Centre of Criminology Library, this database includes citations to academic and practitioner literature from 1970 to the present. It is updated and maintained on a regular basis and presently includes more than 1,400 records.

Fees and appeals for vehicles seized due to impaired driving in Alberta. Alberta’s alcohol- and drug-impaired driving offences and sanctions include immediate roadside vehicle seizures. You must contact the SafeRoads Alberta to review a vehicle seizure. SafeRoads Alberta is the adminstrative adjudication branch of Alberta transportation.

See information on the Alberta Vehicle Seizure Programs – Vehicle Seizure Programs | Alberta.ca

This handbook is a good source in understanding the rules and regulations applying to small vehicles in Alberta such as motorcycles, mopeds, and power bicycles.

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

Includes information about: The Case Is Called; The Trial Begins; The Exclusion Order; The Crown’s Case; The Defence’s Case; Submissions; Decision; Vocabulary.

Representing yourself in court is a daunting task. This issue of LawNow offers some suggestions for success.

An increasing number of persons appearing in the court system are self-represented. In 2006, the Canadian Judicial Council created a statement of principles concluding that “self-represented persons are generally uninformed about their rights and about the consequences of the options they choose.” The Council also underlined the need for better information and tools for those who wish to represent themselves. (PDF – 12 pages.)

This online tutorial created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta provides information about the structure of a trial after making a criminal complaint.

Legal education publications on this site cover the following topics: assault, parole, possession of controlled drugs and substance, criminal trials, driver’s license suspensions, guilty pleas and sentencing, and impaired driving.

The Tax Court of Canada is the youngest superior court in Canada. The Court’s jurisdiction includes the hearing of appeals from assessments under the Income Tax Act, the Excise Tax Act (Goods and Services Tax “GST”), the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Pension Plan, among others. The website gives access to the court judgments as well as providing information for people who plan to represent themselves at the court.

TERMIUM Plus® is one of the largest terminology and linguistic data banks in the world, gives you access to millions of terms in English, French, Spanish and Portugese. TERMIUM Plus® can be used to find terms, abbreviations, definitions and usage examples in a wide range of specialized fields. The data bank is an essential tool for understanding an acronym, checking an official title, finding an equivalent in another language, and much more. 

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal is an independent tribunal established by the Government of Canada to provide impartial reviews of notices of violation issued by federal agencies regulating agriculture and food.

This online resource from the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service takes you—step-by-step—through a Canadian criminal case. It explains the process clearly and simply and will help you to understand how a Canadian criminal prosecution works

This online tutorial created by the Legal Resource Centre explains on what it’s like in a criminal courtroom. There are often many people in a courtroom. Knowing who is who, what each person’s role is, and what is expected of you as a witness should help you understand what is going on around you.

The federal and provincial and territorial governments are all responsible for the judicial system in Canada. Only the federal government can appoint and pay judges of the superior, or upper-level, courts in the provinces. Parliament can also establish a general court of appeal and other courts. It has created the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as the Tax Court. This Justice Canada webpage provides an outline of Canada’s court system.

This booklet from Alberta Justice provides general information about proceedings in Traffic Court. Contents include: You Have Been Charged with An offence. Now What?; Do You Need an Interpreter?; Lawyers and Agents; How do You Get A Lawyer or an Agent?; Legal Aid; Alberta Law Line; Other Services; Your First Court Appearance; If You Plead Not Guilty; If You are Thinking of Pleading Guilty; Where and When will the Trial be?; Getting Ready for Trial when You Have Plead Not Guilty; What Happens at Trial?; Sentencing; and Victims of Crime Surcharge on Offenders.(PDF – 16 pages)

Traffic Court is part of the Alberta Court of Justice. It deals with offences pursuant to many provincial statutes and regulations, municipal bylaws and a few specified federal statutes. In spite of its name, Traffic Court is not limited to only hearing traffic related offences. Traffic Court does not deal with most offences created by federal statutes such as the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Young persons aged 12-17 years of age who are charged with a Provincial offence are dealt with in the Youth Division of the Alberta Court of Justice. In some court locations there is a distinct Youth Traffic Court.

Trials in Traffic Court, whether involving an adult or a young person, are usually heard by a Justice of the Peace. However in some locations trials are heard by a Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice.

This Alberta government webpage provides information on the options available to pay traffic fines and overdue Criminal Code fines, traffic tickets and bail forfeitures enforcement.

You have been charged with a traffic offense. Now what? This Student Legal Services booklet answers this question and more.

This guide has been designed as a starting point for those seeking self-help materials and background information on various legal topics. The guide brings together a number of useful links to web-based resources, along with spotlighting some of the self-help print publications in our collection. The links and information are not intended to be a comprehensive listing.

British Columbia Courthouse Library Society have some new video tutorials, which demonstrate research techniques. Learn how to trace federal legislation back in time, note up legislation, and research legislative intent.

Courts Virtual Tour uses surround video to give a 360 degree view and navigation of Alberta Courtrooms. Virtual tours offer navigational links that allow you to move throughout the courtroom, tours include the: Court of Appeal; Queen’s Bench Courtroom; Provincial Court; and a Large Trial Courtroom.

If you can’t afford to pay the filing fees for court, you can make an application at a Court Registry office to find out whether or not you qualify to have the filing fee waived. Learn if you qualify to have filing fees waived and how to apply here.

Located at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario the Institutes mandate is to pursue innovation and excellence in alternative dispute resolution and to advance accessible justice in Ontario, Canada and internationally.

If you are leaving an abusive relationship, a family law lawyer can play a key role in helping you understand your legal options, rights, and responsibilities.

This online resource is produced by the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick. The aim of this pamphlet is to help you know when you might need legal advice, how to choose a lawyer and what to expect in dealing with lawyers. It is intended to take the worry out of looking for – and meeting with – a lawyer. It is also available for download as a PDF.

This online publication is provided by the Government of Alberta and is divided into sections including: You’ve been charged… now what?; Duty Counsel; If you don’t have a lawyer; How do you get a lawyer?; Legal Aid; Other Services; Where will the trial be?; Pleading guilty; Getting ready for trial when you have pled not guilty; What happens in court?; and Sentencing.