Category: The broader context

The latest redesigned set of criminal law booklets dealing with Defending Yourself In Court is now available from Legal Services Society.  The booklet series is organized by specific offence, e.g. assault, theft under $5000, possession of an illegal drug.  The booklets then tackle each offence by informing what penalties a person may face, what defenses can be applied as well what you can expect the prosecutor to say or do.   The Defending Yourself In Court booklets are an accompaniment to Representing Yourself In A Criminal Trial.

The team involved in the redesign of the booklets applied usability testing techniques in order to make them accessible for users.  The feedback from users led to notable improvements to the publications, including a new format, and a flow chart illustrating which publication should be applied in various stages of the court process. 

For additional resources on pursuing your own defense have a look at our Common Question – I’ve been charged with a crime.  How can I defend myself? – on Clicklaw.

 The Law Foundation of British Columbia has established a fund of $100,000 per year to support legal research initiatives in British Columbia.  The objective of the fund is to support legal research projects that “advance the knowledge of law, social policy, and the administration of justice”.

 The fund is open to members of the legal profession and others with expertise in carrying out legal research, and eligible candidates are asked to apply by submitting a Letter of Intent by September 20, 2013 by mail, courier, fax, or email for consideration at the November Law Foundation meeting.

For more details visit the Law Foundation of BC site.