Handbooks for Self-Represented Litigants

The Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) has published three (3) handbooks for self-represented litigants who are involved in civil, criminal or family litigation procedures.

"The handbooks make it simple for self-represented litigants to access information for each province and territory in both official languages on how to prepare for a hearing, the applicable rules and law, where to find free or lower cost legal help and related resource agencies, among many other things."

"It is important to note that while these handbooks cannot anticipate all of the possible situations that may arise, they provide a starting point that will assist and guide litigants. The Handbooks do not provide legal advice and are not a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide. The Handbooks provide general information only."

Each Handbook also has a Resources section, relevant to each Canadian jurisdiction, providing information as to how to obtain electronic access to statutes, regulations, and forms.

The CJC's  role is to ensure the proper conduct of federally appointed judges and to improve the quality of judicial services, court management and technology.

It is chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.