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, S.B.C. 2021, c. 6. 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.
Court of Appeal Act and Rules (Quick Links)
Effective 18 July 2022
- Court of Appeal Act, S.B.C. 2021, c. 6
- Court of Appeal Rules, BC Reg. 120/2022 | Amendments to Rules OIC 631/2023 (27 Nov 2023)
- How to file materials | Registrar's Filing Directive
- Forms, Completion Instructions, and Templates
- Practice Directives
- Remote Appearances - Practice Directive
- Request to Appear Remotely
- Chambers Applications - Practice Directive
- Process Overview Charts (Appellant | Respondent)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
March 28, 2024
BC COURT OF APPEAL ANNUAL REPORT 2023
The Annual Report of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia covering the activities of the Court for 2023 is now available.
March 19, 2024
COMPLETION INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICATION BOOKS UPDATED
Application book completion instructions for leave/stay and applications to vary have been updated to clarify that application response books should include evidence, exhibits, or affidavits (if any) relevant to the application and not otherwise included in the application book or in the response book of any other respondent.
March 12, 2024
UPDATE: REGISTRAR’S FILING DIRECTIVE
The Registrar’s Filing Directive has been updated to reiterate parties’ responsibility to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of materials filed with the Court, particularly given various litigation aids and artificial intelligence tools.