Court Procedures and Rules of Court

Going to court is a very formal process guided by strict rules. The following resources can help you understand this.

Looking for information on Pre-Trial Applications. Check out our FAQs here: https://www.law-faqs.org/alberta-faqs/courts-and-court-services/pre-trial-applications/


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

Alberta Resources

Publication produced by Student Legal Services of Edmonton.

This publication provides step-by-step general information about what is involved in going to Provincial Court in Alberta (now the Alberta Court of Justice). 

Related legal topic(s): Criminal law general resources, Legal process

An instructional video from the Canadian Bar Association Alberta branch demonstrates the basics of procedure in civil court for non-lawyers. It is about 25 minutes in length, and uses common types of courtroom disputes to explain the kinds of evidence you may need for your case as well as how to organize and present that evidence to the judge.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments, Legal process, Self-representation

The Alberta Court of Justice is primarily the point of first entry into the justice system. The Provincial Court hears most of the criminal and civil cases in Alberta. All criminal cases start in Provincial Court, and 95% conclude there. Most civil cases also take place in Alberta Court of Justice. For example, cases involving landlord and tenant, most other claims involving less than $100,000 and many traffic, regulatory and bylaw enforcement hearings take place here. A majority of family law cases and child welfare cases are also heard by the Alberta Court of Justice.

This website contains forms that are available for use by the Bar and other members of the public, as well as notices governing practices or procedures within the different regions or divisions of the Provincial Court.

Related legal topic(s): Civil law, Courts and court judgments, Legal process

Court and Justice Services (CJS) provides administrative support to all the courts within the province, including electronic legal information services through Alberta Law Libraries.

CJS offer: legal information services for the public on court procedures and legal services options; assistance with locating and filling out court forms; referrals to other community legal services, as well as dispute resolution services for child support, family and child medication, conflict intervention, family mediation, and civil mediation. 

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Legal process, Legal services, Mediation and alternative dispute resolution, Self-representation, Small claims court

The Rules of Court as published by Alberta King's Printer are available for free download in PDF format: Volume 1 - Alberta Rules of Court AR 124/2010 at 692 pages and Volume 2 - Alberta Rules of Court Supplemental Information at 506 pages.

Related legal topic(s): Legal process

This information has been produced by the Edmonton Community Legal Centre. It discusses your appearance in Traffic Court.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments, Driving, Legal process, Self-representation

The Calgary Drug Treatment Court has been in operation since 2007, providing the only community alternative to incarceration for non-violent drug-addicted offenders whose crimes are driven by drug addiction. CDTC is an evidence-based program that integrates court intervention and treatment services to end drug-driven crime and assist participants to return to family, work and community.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments, Drugs and alcohol

This website offers information to consider before you sue, if you are being sued, and the process that is involved. Information that is available on this website includes: The Basics; Civil Claim Flowchart; Before You Sue; Is it Worth Suing?; If You Have to Sue Someone; Forms Needed for a Civil Claim; Service of Documents; If You are Being Sued; Mediation and Pre-Trial Conferences; Adjournments; Default Judgment; Preparation for the Hearing; Witnesses; Courtroom Etiquette; After the Appearance; and Appeals.

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Legal process, Small claims court

On this Alberta Provincial Court webpage you will find pages that sets out the Civil Claims Process. The content has been ordered based on the flow that a Civil Claim action goes through in Provincial Court Civil.

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Civil law, Legal process, Self-representation, Small claims court

The "Civil Matters: What to Do in Court" video provides tips and information on how to prepare for a Civil Claims trial if you are a Plaintiff, Defendant or Witness, including what documents you may need, how to present evidence, and how to address the judge. Video Transcripts are available in:  English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Hindi | Punjabi | Urdu

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Legal process, Self-representation

The information presented in this brochure includes a generaldescription of proceedings in court, some specific information on the procedures involved when you want to sue someone or are being sued,and suggestions on how to prepare your case.It is recommended that you read this entire booklet before commencing the Civil Claims process.

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Legal process, Self-representation, Small claims court

This primer, published by the National Self-Represented Litigants Project, is packed with the information and practical self-help tips for preparing yourself, emotionally and technically, for court. It includes a section on self-care tips; a section on preparing for court; a section on appearing in court (generic and not specific for any one jurisdiction, family or civil courts); and finally a collection of ten top practical tips from self-represented litigants on “what works”. This 25-page PDF is available for free download.

Related legal topic(s): Legal process, Self-representation

The booklets are a series of plain language family court booklets (divorce forms and instructions) to enable parties to better understand and access the court for applications dealing with custody, access, child support or spousal support under the Divorce Act.

Related legal topic(s): Custody and access, Family law general resources, Self-representation, Spousal support

Going to court? Here are some tips and information on what to do in court. (Video) Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts. Video Transcripts are available in :  English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Hindi | Punjabi | Urdu

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Legal process, Self-representation

The purpose of this guideline is to set out the criteria to be considered in initiating, prosecuting, and discontinuing appeals to the Court of Appeal of Alberta.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments, Legal process

This booklet has been prepared for you by the staff at the Law Information Centre (LInC). It is for people who are bankrupt, but have not been granted a discharge from bankruptcy. It is intended to help you make you make an application for discharge from bankruptcy if you are an undischarged bankrupt.

Related legal topic(s): Bankruptcy and foreclosure, Self-representation

This information is provided by Calgary Legal Guidance. It is directed at individuals who are making their irst appearance in the adult Criminal Division of Provincial Court.

Related legal topic(s): Criminal law general resources, Legal process, Self-representation

Going to court? Here are some tips and information on understanding your foreclosure matter. (Video) Produced in coordination with PBLA and Alberta Courts. Video Transcripts are available in :  English | Spanish | French | Arabic | Hindi | Punjabi | Urdu

Related legal topic(s): Bankruptcy and foreclosure, Civil actions, Legal process, Real estate and home ownership, Self-representation

This online tutorial created by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta provides information about giving evidence in a criminal trial (includes some particular references to giving evidence about abuse).

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Family violence general resources, Legal process, Self-representation, Witnesses

When you are going to court, there are some procedures and protocols that you need to follow. You will find information here on court etiquette, court procedures, and appeals and transcripts.

Related legal topic(s): Legal process, Self-representation

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