Introducing the CanLII Primer from the National Self-Represented Litigants Project

Community posts

Today’s guest blog post features a new resource for those preparing for the presentation of their cases — in court, in chambers, or as part of a negotiation or mediation. It focuses on how to navigate CanLII, a free legal online service. This resource is available via Clicklaw.

By Dr. Julie MacfarlaneNSLRP
Professor of Law at the University of Windsor & Project Director

As part of my 2011-12 study of the experiences of self-represented litigants (SRLs) in Alberta, BC and Ontario, I asked each of the 259 SRLs I interviewed to tell me what was the most useful on-line resource they had used in preparing their case.

By far the greatest number singled out CanLII, the Canadian electronic case and legislation database. One told me “CanLII is the best thing for a self represented person ever…” Many talked about the hours they spent poring over cases in CanLII.

CanLII received a million hits – in March 2015. How many of those were self-represented litigants, I wonder? Continue reading

Make-a-Will Week – Resources

Get help using Clicklaw, The broader context

Wills are rarely a hot conversation topic, but they are essential tools for responsible planning and are now applicable to persons considered “mentally capable” and 16 or older in BC.

Completing a will is usually a relief.  If you have been thinking about a will for yourself or if you have family members who have yet to take that step, the next few weeks are an excellent time to start.

April 6 to 12 is Make-a-Will Week in BC
April 6 to 12 is Make-a-Will Week in BC

Note: If you have a very small estate (little to no assets), making a will may not be necessary. However, it is a good idea to seek legal advice about this.

April 6 to 12 is Make-a-Will Week, and a number of organizations and legal professionals are coming together to donate their time and effort to help people write their will or bring an existing will up to date.

At the Wills Resources page on the Courthouse Libraries BC website, there are lists of wills-related resources for everyone—from lawyers to people who aren’t familiar with the law:

  • print resources (texts) available at select Courthouse Libraries BC branches or through the Lawyers’ Reading Room,
  • online resources available through Clicklaw and other websites,
  • people and organizations that can help, and
  • informational events available to the public for the month of April.

This page will be updated with new resources and events at least for the month of Make-a-Will Week. The PDFs are printable and shareable.

If you would like to make a suggestion for a resource, please email us.

Want to share the Wills Resources page? Use this short redirect URL: http://bit.ly/CLBCwills

Photo credit: Freepik