This memorandum raises questions about the operation of The Rules in cases involving self-represented litigants. The Committee's position is that the same procedural requirements should apply to all persons who turn to the civil justice system for the resolution of legal issued. Self-represented litigants must understand that they are responsible for performing the tasks and carrying out the functions ordinarily required of professionally trained lawyers. Self-represented litigants will benefit from some of the Rules changes [...]

This memorandum addresses procedures for Charter applications in criminal cases tried in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. The Committee addressed some background issues bearing on the development of Rules of Court for Charter application procedures, including the need for Rules to follow established legal principles, to provide for "fair notice" of applications, and to preserve judicial discretion. Charter applications outside of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta are also reviewed. The current state of Charter application regulation in the Court [...]

This memorandum addresses procedures in challenges for cause in criminal jury trials in the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta. It provides background of the process to jury selection in criminal cases. Accuseds have both statutory and constitutional rights to jury trials. Both the Crown and the accused are entitled to trials before fair and impartial jury members. The Criminal Code has established a number of procedures, including challenges for cause on the grounds that [...]

This memorandum addresses issues relating to civil appeals. It outlines a set of working principles that guide the policy decisions behind several proposals. It reviews the many sources of procedural provisions that govern appeals. It identifies factors that contribute to delay in the early stages of an appeal and makes proposals for reducing this delay, simplifying procedure, and reducing the need for court intervention to ensure the timely progress of an appeal. It addresses the [...]