Definitions

c

A matter heard before a single judge of the Court of Appeal.

Rules governing practices or procedures before the court that involve individuals, organizations or governments. Generally, the Rules do not refer to criminal cases.

A “civil” suit (case) is a court proceeding which involves legal issues between individuals, corporations or governments. (These are non-criminal issues.) A civil case is started when there is disagreement on a legal matter.

The instructions that the Registrar issues for the completion of documents. These instructions explain the content requirements, the book format, document format, and technical requirements (if e-filing). Failure to comply with the completion instructions may result in the rejection of a court filing.

If an appeal relates to the constitutional validity of any statute, this Act provides that the party contesting the validity of the statute must notify the Attorney General of Canada and the Attorney General Of BC so that the Attorney(s) General (or a representative) may present argument to the Court of Appeal about the case.

Money spent to carry out or defend an appeal which a party is allowed to recover. The unsuccessful party is usually ordered to pay part of the expenses associated with the successful party’s litigation.

A respondent may bring a cross appeal, meaning a request that the court vary a different part of the order already being appealed. For example, in a motor vehicle accident case, the Supreme Court judge may decide that the plaintiff and defendant were equally at fault for the accident, and the plaintiff may be awarded $50,000 for personal injuries suffered in the accident. The plaintiff may decide to appeal the decision on the ground that he suffered severe injuries and was entitled to a greater sum to compensate for his injuries. After the plaintiff files their notice of appeal regarding compensation the defendant, may decide to appeal the decision on the ground that he was not at fault for any part of the accident. In this example, the defendant is the respondent on the appeal involving compensation and the appellant on cross-appeal on the question of fault.