Yes, you can represent yourself in court in Canada. Representing yourself is called being a “self-represented litigant” who appears in court without representation from a lawyer. Individuals can appear on civil matters, criminal matters, and in Family Court.

Statement of Principles on Self-represented Litigants and Accused Persons

The Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) was created in 1971 by the Canadian Parliament to maintain and improve the quality of judicial services in Canada’s superior courts. In 2006, the CJC issued the Statement of Principles on Self-represented Litigants and Accused Persons to outline the responsibilities of judges, court administrators, members of the Bar, legal aid organizations, and government funding agencies to ensure that self-represented persons are provided with fair access and equal treatment by the court.

Responsibilities of the self-represented

The Statement also provides the responsibilities of the self-represented litigant. Self-represented persons are expected to

• conduct all necessary legal research: familiarize themselves with the relevant laws, court rules, and procedures pertaining to their case;
• prepare their own case; and
• be respectful of the court process and the officials within it. Judges and court administrators do not have to assist a self-represented person who is “disrespectful, frivolous, unreasonable, vexatious, abusive, or making no reasonable effort to prepare their case”.

The Canadian Judicial Council provides guidebooks for representing yourself in Criminal Court, Civil Court and Family Court. Click here for more information and to view the guides.

Get legal help

Although you can represent yourself in court, it is generally recommended to hire a lawyer, especially in complex cases. At the very least, you are strongly advised to get advice from a lawyer or paralegal about your legal options as court procedures can be very complicated.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, it is important to hire an experienced criminal defence lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our preferred criminal defence expert, Calvin Barry Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at 1-866-961-4963 .

To erase your criminal record, call toll-free 1-888-808-3628 or learn more at Pardon Partners. It’s easier than you think.

								
You now have 3 options:
								

									
More answers about Criminal Law
									
Master List: 2,500 Legal Answers
																													
																		
Government Links