about the b.c. superior courts

There are three levels of court in British Columbia: in ascending order, the Provincial Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The Supreme Court was originally the highest court in the province. In 1909 the Court of Appeal was created. The Court of Appeal for British Columbia is now the highest court in the province.

This Web site contains the reasons for judgment of the two superior courts of the province, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Appeals from the Court of Appeal go to the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Court of Appeal hears appeals from the Supreme Court of British Columbia and in some criminal matters, from the Provincial Court. The Court of Appeal sits regularly in Vancouver and from time to time in Victoria, Kamloops and Kelowna. The Chief Justice of British Columbia heads the Court.

The Supreme Court of British Columbia is the province’s superior trial court. It is a court of general and inherent jurisdiction. There are 99 Supreme Court judges who sit in eight judicial districts, travelling on circuit through the year. There are also 14 Supreme Court masters who deal with pre-trial matters. The Supreme Court hears both civil and criminal cases and also hears appeals from the Provincial Court.