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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
May 8, 2012
CRIMINAL PRACTICE DIRECTIVE – IN CUSTODY APPELLANTS AND NEW TRIALS
The Court of Appeal has issued a new criminal practice directive the purpose of which is to ensure that an appellant who is in custody when a new trial is ordered: (a) is not released from custody until the matter of bail pending the new trial has been dealt with; and (b) appears before the trial court in a timely way. A copy of the new directive may be found here.
May 7, 2012
WELCOMING CEREMONY - HONOURABLE JUSTICE DAVID C. HARRIS
On Thursday, May 31, 2012, the Court will hold a formal ceremony to welcome the Honourable Mr. Justice David C. Harris to the Court of Appeal. The ceremony will begin at 4:15p.m. in Courtroom 60 of the Vancouver Law Courts.
April 17, 2012
PRACTICE NOTE - COURT SITTINGS IN KAMLOOPS, KELOWNA AND PRINCE GEORGE
The Court of Appeal has revised the civil and criminal Practice Note titled "Court Sittings in Kamloops, Kelowna and Prince George." The only change is to extend the procedure indefinitely. A copy of the revised directive may be found here.
April 10, 2012
NOTICE: JUDICIAL APPOINTMENT - APRIL 10, 2012
The British Columbia Court of Appeal welcomes the appointment of the Honourable Mr. Justice David C. Harris, a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. For more information about the Honourable Mr. Justice David C. Harris, please see the press release issued by the Minister of Justice.
March 28, 2012
PRACTICE DIRECTIVE - PILOT PROJECT REGARDING CRIMINAL CONVICTION/ACQUITTAL APPEALS
The Court of Appeal has revised its criminal Practice Directive titled "Pilot Project Regarding Criminal Conviction/Acquittal Appeals." The major change is to extend the pilot program until January 31, 2012. The change applies retroactively to January 1, 2012. A copy of the new directive may be found here.
March 21, 2012
2011 B.c. court of appeal annual report
The 2011 Annual Report for B.C. Court of Appeal is now available.
March 15, 2012
STATEMENT ON JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE - MARCH 15 2012
The Courts of British Columbia have issued the following statement discussing the principle of judicial independence.
March 1, 2012
PRACTICE note - filing written argument in court of appeal chambers
The Court of Appeal has revised its civil and criminal practice note titled "Filing Written Argument in Court of Appeal Chambers." The only change is to have the directive apply to civil matters rather than both civil and criminal matters. The change is effective immediately.