In an effort to improve access to court services in British Columbia (B.C.), the government has announced amendments to the Supreme Court Civil Rules and Supreme Court Family Rules.
These changes aim to simplify processes and enhance accessibility, with a particular focus on individuals who speak English as an additional language.
While most of the amendments serve housekeeping purposes, the inclusion of plain language updates will significantly improve accessibility for all users. Some of the key changes include:
Email Requirement: Parties involved in court proceedings will now be required to provide an email address, if available. This amendment streamlines the process of serving documents electronically, making it more convenient for all parties involved.
Reduced Mandatory Trial-Management Conferences: The amendments aim to reduce the circumstances where trial-management conferences are mandatory. This change allows cases to proceed more quickly by minimizing the need for such conferences. Trial-management conferences typically involve judges or masters meeting with lawyers and their clients to discuss the trial’s progression.
New Trial Brief Forms: Introducing new trial brief forms for civil and family matters will ensure the accurate capture of necessary information. These forms streamline case issues and provide a preview of legal arguments for the court. By enhancing the accuracy and clarity of trial briefs, trials can proceed more efficiently.
Case-Planning Conference Option: A new case-planning conference option will be available for family law cases. This amendment encourages early collaboration between the involved parties to discuss the case’s proceedings. By bringing the parties together at an early stage, this conference aims to facilitate a smoother litigation process.
These amendments were recommended by the Supreme Court Civil and Family Rules Committee, which solicited feedback from court users. The committee serves as an advisory body to the attorney general, focusing on matters related to access to justice that can be addressed through court rules.
The B.C. government’s initiative to amend the Supreme Court Civil Rules and Supreme Court Family Rules reflects its commitment to improving access to justice and making court services more accessible to all residents. These changes will contribute to a more efficient and user-friendly court system in the province.
