Programs & Resources for Immigrants

Court Information Program for Immigrants

The Court Information Program for Immigrants eliminates language and cultural barriers and enhances access to the courts and to justice for immigrants and refugees. This is accomplished by providing information and referrals to the public, immigrants and refugees appearing in court as the accused, victims, witnesses, or parties involved in a civil suit.

Justice System Education Program

The Justice System Education Program is designed for schools and community groups. The program provides an overview of the justice system, how it works, and who is involved. Activities include courtwatching, court orientations, mock trials, judge/lawyer sessions as well as career and personal planning.

Accessing Court Documents Online

Accessing Court Documents Online provides instructional videos to help self-representing litigants access court records using Court Services Online (CSO). This popular video series provides basic information to help litigants search and find the documents they need. Topics include Searching for Civil Court Info and Viewing the Case Basics and the Parties Involved.

Victims Information

Are you a victim of or witness to a crime in British Columbia? VictimsInfo.ca will give you the resources and information you need to deal with the consequences of crime. Topics include Services for Victims, Reporting a Crime, Criminal Charges, Going to Court and Sentencing.

Administrative Law BC

AdminLawBC.ca helps British Columbians learn about administrative law, search for and prepare for a tribunal by bringing information on the complete range of administrative law resources together under one domain. The website features three videos, the BC Admin Law Directory of 100+ tribunals and a list of experts available to speak about numerous administrative law areas.

BC Small Claims Court

SmallClaimsBC.ca provides an introduction to the Small Claims Pilot, which aims to ensure faster and earlier solutions to small claims cases. The site’s videos explain summary and simplified trials, mediations, trials and trial conferences. The site also features downloadable forms and provides information in French, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi and Vietnamese.

Learning About the Law

Learning About the Law uses very simple wording to teach English as a Second Language students about their legal rights and responsibilities in British Columbia. Topics include Renting a Home, Driving, Family Law, and Civil Law. Both the Workbook and a Teacher’s Guide are available online as well as for order.

Mock Trial Programs

Groups can learn the most about our justice system by experiencing it themselves in a simulated trial, called a “mock” trial. A mock trial is a definitive, dramatic, experiential learning opportunity. It develops advocacy skills and critical thinking in addition to providing knowledge about the law. We can provide a mock trial kit so that you can prepare the roles with your group beforehand.

BC's Court System

BC’s Court System contains two instructional video programs. "Come On In!" introduces the courts of BC and "Arrest to Trial" explains the different roles of court personnel. A teacher’s guide accompanies the programs and explains basic concepts as well as suggested student activities.

Court Orientations

Court orientations provide an introduction to BC’s court system: how it works, why it is important and the legal terms and concepts used in court. Court orientations are part of the Justice Education Society’s Justice System Education Program. Other activities in the program include courtwatching, mock trials, justice system personnel sessions and career and personal planning.