Civil law

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

The Alberta Court of Justice is primarily the point of first entry into the justice system. The Provincial Court hears most of the criminal and civil cases in Alberta. All criminal cases start in Provincial Court, and 95% conclude there. Most civil cases also take place in Alberta Court of Justice. For example, cases involving landlord and tenant, most other claims involving less than $100,000 and many traffic, regulatory and bylaw enforcement hearings take place here. A majority of family law cases and child welfare cases are also heard by the Alberta Court of Justice.

This website contains forms that are available for use by the Bar and other members of the public, as well as notices governing practices or procedures within the different regions or divisions of the Provincial Court.

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