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Supreme Court
The Supreme Court of British Columbia is the province's superior trial court. The Supreme Court is a court of general and inherent jurisdiction which means that it can hear any type of case, civil or criminal. It hears most appeals from the Provincial Court in civil and criminal cases and appeals from arbitrations. A party may appeal a decision of the Supreme Court to the Court of Appeal.
The Supreme Court Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 443, provides for a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, an Associate Chief Justice, and 86 other justices. The legislation also provides for supernumerary judges who sit hearing cases part-time. Including supernumerary judges, there are presently 106 judges. There are also 13 Supreme Court masters who hear and dispose of a wide variety of applications in chambers. The Supreme Court also has a Registrar who hears assessments relating to bills of costs, reviews lawyers' accounts, settles orders, references of various types and deals with bankruptcy discharge applications.
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 |
January 26, 2012
Criminal Pre-Trial Conference Pilot Project Evaluation Report
Since March 1, 2010, the Supreme Court has been operating the Criminal Pre-Trial Conference Pilot Project in four Supreme Court registries (Vancouver, New Westminster, Kamloops and Chilliwack). The pilot project was commenced to determine whether an increased focus on pre-trial conferences in criminal proceedings would result in the more orderly and efficient scheduling and conduct of criminal proceedings in British Columbia.
For the past year, the court's Criminal Pre-Trial Conference Pilot Project Sub-Committee has been evaluating the operation of the pilot project. The Criminal Pre-Trial Conference Pilot Project Evaluation Report which describes the events that lead to the development of the Criminal PTC Pilot Project, its operations, its evaluation and recommendations for moving forward was released on January 18, 2012 and is available here.
January 23, 2012
Judicial Transfer - The Honourable Mr. Justice Terence A. Schultes
The Supreme Court of British Columbia announces that the Honourable Mr. Justice Schultes transferred from New Westminster to Vancouver effective January 17, 2012.
January 19, 2012
Retirement - Master Alan Donaldson - december 31, 2011
The Supreme Court of British Columbia announces that Master Alan Donaldson retired from the Supreme Court at Vancouver on December 31, 2011.