Plainer language in BC court forms among new rule changes for court of appeal

The appeal procedure is getting a changeup in BC courts revolving around civil matters.

According to the British Columbia government, this will make it easier to understand and more efficient for lawyers to navigate the appeals procedure. The same can also be said for self represented individuals, of which there are many.

Effective July 18, the new rules will simplify language and make the appeals process more efficient. It'll also be clarifying existing procedures. According to a press release, it's going to help all British Columbians get access to justice.

Among the improvements will be new court forms that are more readable and easier to comprehend. Also listed are some other highlights, according to a information bulletin:

• clarifying the requirements for applying for leave (or permission) to appeal;
• updating filing requirements;
• outlining the process for case management and the types of orders that can be made at case management; and
• simplifying ordinary costs to two scales and adjusting the tariff of costs.

These changes are based on recommendations from public consultations.