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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
February 8, 2012
Press release - justice system review
The Courts in British Columbia have issued the following statement in response to the Provincial Government's Announcement of a Justice System Review:
We always welcome the opportunity to engage in dialogue with Government and other justice system participants on the issues and challenges facing the justice system. A fully functioning justice system is an essential element of a free and democratic society governed by the rule of law. Any suggestions for improvements to that system merit serious consideration.
Such a review, however, must recognize that the various participants in the justice system operate within a constitutional framework. That framework places certain responsibilities on the participants and is founded on an independent judiciary. Any recommendations for reform must respect the constitutional framework in which we operate.
| Chief Justice Lance Finch | Chief Justice Robert Bauman | Chief Judge Thomas Crabtree |
| Chief Justice of British Columbia | Chief Justice of the Supreme Court | Chief Judge of the Provincial Court |
February 2, 2012
PRACTICE DIRECTIVE - FIVE JUSTICE DIVISIONS
The Court of Appeal has revised its civil and criminal Practice Directive titled "Five Justice Divisions." The only change is to shorten the time for a request for a five justice division from two months to six weeks. The change is effective immediately. A copy of the new directive may be found here.
January 12, 2012
JUDICIAL RETIREMENTS - HONOURABLE JUSTICES M. ANNE ROWLES, CAROL MAHOOD HUDDART AND KENNETH C. MACKENZIE
As of January 1, 2012, the Honourable Justices M. Anne Rowles, Carol Mahood Huddart and Kenneth C. Mackenzie retired from the Court of Appeal.
December 12, 2011
Practice Directive: Expedited Appeals
The Court of Appeal has released a new civil and criminal Practice Directive titled "Expedited Appeals," which is effective immediately. A copy of the new directive may be found here.