Digital operations
The Court uses technology to increase access to justice and improve efficiency.
Digital Desk Orders
When a court appearance is not required, judges now review and sign court orders electronically, speeding up processing. Among other efficiencies, digital orders can be dealt with by a judge anywhere in BC. Not having to attend court can also save parties time and expense.
Some examples where orders can be granted without a hearing can be found in:
Provincial Court (Child, Family and Community Service Act) Rules
Electronic Filing
Provincial Court registries accept emailed documents for filing in some matters, saving time and expense for litigants and lawyers.
File court documents (Government of BC)
Electronic Access to Provincial Court Records
With the Court’s encouragement and support, the Court Services Branch of the Government of BC has worked steadily to digitize court files. Digital file access makes virtual proceedings work more smoothly and efficiently. It has also allowed judges, lawyers and media to see various file records on their computers.
Digitized files have also increased the Court’s resilience. If there is a fire or flood, the Court is able to continue its work on cases in other court locations using digital records and remote appearances.
CRIM 15 Electronic Distribution of Certain Criminal Reports to Defence Counsel of Record
Telewarrants
Judicial justices deal with applications for search warrants and production orders at the Court’s Justice Centre. The Criminal Code<p><span lang="EN-US">Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)</span><span lang="EN-US"> is the federal law that applies across Canada and sets out criminal offences, sentences and how a criminal case proceeds. A judge must follow the law in the </span><span lang="EN-US">Criminal Code</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span><span> </span></p> now allows police to submit warrant applications electronically. This saves police agencies time and expense and enables the Justice Centre to deal with applications more efficiently.
CRIM 03 Judicial Authorization Applications
Ticket information
The Court has worked with the Government of BC to develop online tools for some traffic court functions. Tickets.gov.bc.ca helps you decide how to deal with violation and contravention tickets. It allows you to file a dispute online and get notice of your hearing date by email for some tickets. It also sets out ways to pay a ticket.