We recommend that you watch the introductory video first. It will provide you with an overview of the British Columbia court system, and this website.
To learn more about British Columbia's trial and appeal courts, select an option from the menu above.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Access to the Courts: The opportunity or right of the public to watch court proceedings.
Accountable: Taking responsibility for an action or decision.
Accused: The person charged with a criminal offence.
Action: Legal proceedings in a court to obtain compensation for something or to enforce a right.
Administration: The management of a business, organization or institution.
Administrative Tribunal: Usually three people who decide matters that are brought before them such a Worker’s Compensation Claims.
Adoption: A formal legal process to adopt a child.
Affidavit: A written declaration made on oath before somebody authorized to administer oaths, usually setting out the statement of a witness for court proceedings.
Aggravated Assault: Every one commits an aggravated assault that wounds, maims, disfigures or endangers the life of the complainant.
Altered: To make changes to something or somebody.
Appeal: An appeal is an application for judicial review of a trial court’s decision by a higher court. Either Crown counsel or defence counsel can appeal a decision, but there are specific legal requirements. Also see Appellant or Respondent.
Appellant: The party who has initiated an appeal to a higher court. In a criminal case this could be either Crown Counsel or the accused. The other party is known as the Respondent.
Application: A court appearance is scheduled in which the Crown or defence or one of the parties to a civil action makes an application to the Court (e.g. application to vary bail conditions).
Appoints: To select a person or a group of people for an official position or to do a job.
