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February 02, 2021

British Columbia Virtual Hearings - Things You Must Know



Coronavirus brought the world to stand still. This never-seen-before-scenario forced governments to impose lockdown that impacted economy, relationships as well as the mental well-being of people. But thank God for technology, people could stay connected with their loved ones and many sectors ran uninterrupted as the employees managed working from home. British Columbia court kept all the non-urgent cases waiting initially. However, as there was no respite in sight it went virtual amid pandemic. Virtual hearings for both urgent as well as non-urgent cases including BC Supreme Court civil proceedings are still on and the court is likely to function this way for months to come as the pandemic doesn’t seem to die down any soon. While the BC laws remain the same however it is essential to learn the procedure for virtual hearing to ensure it is conducted smoothly.



To ease the task for you we have compiled necessary information related to remote hearings at Provincial and Supreme Court. Read on to find out about the same!

Supreme Court Remote Hearings

  • Supreme Court is conducting remote hearings only via teleconference.
  • Recording these proceedings is forbidden.
  • Parties need to submit a modified notice stating that the hearing is being conducted via telephone.
  • The Court Registry sends a hearing confirmation email to the parties mostly a day before the hearing. The mail includes detailed procedure about joining the conference and the time they should report.
  • Both the parties require checking with the court clerk at 9 am on the day of hearing. They must stay muted till the time their matter is called.

Provincial Court Remote Hearings

Provincial Court is conducting hearings via Microsoft Teams audio or video conferencing. Parties can join via laptop, computer or even their mobile phone. It is strictly prohibited to record these proceedings.

Rules for Audio Hearings

  • During audio conference hearings, one must start speaking by announcing his own name. At the time one is not speaking, he must keep the microphone turned off.
  • One can respectfully interrupt the other party if he wants to raise an objection or respond.
  • The use of speaker is prohibited during audio conferencing.

Rules for Video Hearings

  • Parties should join the conference 15 minutes before the proceedings.
  • The court may direct the parties to share screen with others to show certain documents. Participants must refrain from this action if they are not directed to do so by the court.
  • Parties should dress up formally just the way they would while attending an in-person proceeding.
  • Speakers must look in the camera while speaking.
  • During video conferencing the presenters can raise their hands if they wish to speak.
  • Cameras must be turned off when the paties are not require to be seen.

Besides, in order to maintain the decorum, eating and drinking is strictly prohibited during the proceedings. Notes should only be taken using pen and paper and not typed so as to avoid disturbance.

We hope this brief piece of information helps in smooth conduction of your virtual court proceedings.



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