Criminal
Supreme Court judges hear serious criminal matters such as contempt of court, murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, bank robbery, and major drug cases.
Once a person is charged with these crimes, the case will go to trial. Supreme Court trials are by judge and a twelve-person jury, unless the accused and Crown counsel agree to a trial by judge alone.
In most criminal cases, a preliminary inquiry is held in Provincial Court before the case is heard in Supreme Court. At this time, the accused does not have to present any evidence. The Crown must prove that there is enough evidence to commit the accused to trial in Supreme Court.
To come to a decision, the court considers the evidence presented in a case, along with statute law, the Rules of Court, regulations and case law. It is very important that judges and masters follow the law as set out in previously decided cases.
The standard of proof for a criminal case is ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’, which is the required threshold the prosecution must attain in order to achieve a conviction.
Online Help
Representing Yourself in Criminal Court
Representing Yourself in Criminal Court is a series of resources designed for self-representing litigants. The documents apply to both Supreme Court and Provincial Court criminal proceedings. Topics include How a Criminal Trial Works, How to Prepare Your Case, How to Take Notes During Your Trial and How to Act in Court.
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.
JusticeBC.ca
This BC government criminal justice portal provides information and support services for victims of crime, family, youth, jurors, witnesses, the accused, offenders and more. Topics include: The BC justice system, youth justice, reporting a crime, victim services, crime prevention, etc.
Your Voice in Criminal Court
Your Voice in Criminal Court seeks to educate victims and witnesses about the criminal court process. The short video will help orient adult witnesses for Provincial Court, and much of the information applies to appearing in Supreme Court.
Clicklaw
This website features legal information and education from more than 24 public legal education contributors.