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Court of Appeal
The Court of Appeal is the highest court in the province. It hears appeals from the Supreme Court, from the Provincial Court on some criminal matters, and reviews and appeals from some administrative boards and tribunals.
The Court of Appeal is constituted by the Court of Appeal Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 77. The Court of Appeal Act provides for a Chief Justice and 14 other justices, as well as for supernumerary justices. Thus, the Court of Appeal actually has more than 15 judges. The Chief Justice of British Columbia heads the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal has a registrar who, in addition to other administrative duties, hears matters related to the settling of orders and bills of costs.
Announcements
November 14, 2019
THE HONOURABLE M. ANNE ROWLES
The Court recognizes the passing of the Honourable M. Anne Rowles, former Justice of this Court between 1991 and 2011. Former Justice Rowles passed away on 13 November 2019.
November 6, 2019
SPECIAL SITTING - IN HONOUR OF THE LATE HONOURABLE PATRICIA M. PROUDFOOT
There will be a special joint sitting of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the Provincial Court of British Columbia in honour of the late Honourable Patricia M. Proudfoot on Monday, November 25, 2019 at the Vancouver Law Courts at 4:30 pm in the Great Hall. Members of the public are invited to attend the special joint sitting.
October 29, 2019
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE COURT OF APPEAL ACT AND RULES - PUBLIC CONSULTATION OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 6, 2019
The Ministry of Attorney General is proposing amendments to the Court of Appeal Act and Rules. Feedback on the proposed amendments will be accepted until 4:00 pm on December 6, 2019. For more information regarding the proposed amendments and to view the revised Act and Rules visit govTogetherBC.
October 16, 2019
THE HONOURABLE PATRICIA PROUDFOOT
The Court recognizes the passing of the Honourable Patricia Proudfoot, former Justice of this Court between 1989 and 2002. Former Justice Proudfoot passed away quietly at her home.
October 11, 2019
NEW AND AMENDED PRACTICE DIRECTIVES: APPEARING BEFORE THE COURT, CONDENSED APPEALS AND DECLARATIONS IN COURT ORDERS
The civil and criminal practice directive, Appearing before the Court, replaces and repeals the practice note, Addressing the Court. The practice directive contains amendments providing direction to counsel and litigants on (1) conveying their preferred form of address (e.g. Mr., Ms., Mx.); and (2) alternate gowning requirements in circumstances affecting counsel’s ability to fully gown.
The civil practice directive, Condensed Appeals Pilot Project, is designed to test the efficiency of an alternative filing schedule in conjunction with the Court’s project to amend the Court of Appeal Rules.
The civil practice directive, Declarations in Court Orders, describes the practice required for orders relating to a declaration.
October 11, 2019
WEBCASTING PILOT PROJECT - EVALUATION AND REPORT
The Court of Appeal for British Columbia has completed the webcasting pilot project. This report provides: (1) a summary of the pilot project methods and results; (2) an evaluation of the access benefits; and (3) a description of the criteria the Court will apply when selecting appeals for webcast.