Etiquette for Criminal Matters (1:III)

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This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on 1 August 2026.
LSLAP Manual
LSLAP Manual
This page is from the
Law Students' Legal
Advice Program Manual.
See the full contents.
LSLAP Manual
Introduction
Chapters
1. Criminal Law
 · I. Introduction

 · II. Governing Legislation and Resources
 · III. Etiquette
 · IV. Criminal Charges
 · V. Substantive Law
 · VI. Resolving Prior to Trial
 · VII. Pleading Not Guilty/Trial
 · VIII. Other Issues
 · IX. Charter of Rights and Freedoms
 · X. LSLAP Policies
 · XI. Information for LSLAP Students
 · XII. Etiquette for Law Students
 · XIII. Practice Recommendations
 · Appendix A: Sample Information
 · Appendix B: Initial Sentencing Position
 · Appendix C: Sample Diversion Letter
 · Appendix D: Sentencing Hearing
 · Appendix E: Trial Books

 · Appendix F: Glossary
v • d • e



A. Courtroom Procedure for Self-Represented Litigants

When you attend court for a matter, you should check the court lists to confirm in which courtroom the matter is to be heard. If the court is not sitting at the time, you should attempt to seek out the Crown Counsel who is in charge of the matter and identify yourself.

To get your matter called, you should inform Crown Counsel or the Crown assistant that you are present, self-represented, and ready to proceed. If Crown Counsel is not physically present, but appearing over Microsoft Teams, you should notify the Sheriff or Duty Counsel that you are present. Crown Counsel will proceed with the shortest matters first; priority will also be given to matters for which the accused and their counsel are present. Do not interrupt Crown Counsel when they are addressing a matter.

When the Judge enters or exits the court, you should stand. If the court is sitting, you should enter the courtroom and sit at the chairs located behind the bar that separates the public gallery from the "well" of the courtroom in front of the judge's bench.

When your matter is called, you should rise and approach the counsel's table. You should stand on the other side of the podium from the Crown. Standard practice dictates that Crown is seated next to the witness box while the defence and the accused are seated furthest away.

NOTE: Provincial Court Judges wear robes and are addressed as "Your Honour" in court while Justices of the Peace wear suits or other clothing, and are addressed as "Your Worship." The top of a court list will also indicate whether the matter is being heard in front of a Judge or JP.


1. Interacting with Crown

When interacting with the Crown (or anyone else), you should always be pleasant and polite. There are times when you need to be more assertive, but this should be done in a tactful way. You should always act respectfully towards the Crown, even when pointing out errors.


2. Courtroom Demeanour & Etiquette

  • Be well-groomed and well-dressed.
  • Always be polite to everyone in the courtroom.
  • Never mislead the court.
  • Be punctual. Do not waste the court's time.
  • Address the court in a loud clear voice. Most microphones in the courtrooms are only for recording and not for amplification purposes.
  • Stand when the judge enters or leaves the courtroom.
  • Stand when addressing the Court, being addressed by the Court, objecting and responding to objections. Stand when (or if) you are being sentenced or convicted.
  • Sit when Crown Counsel is speaking to the court or interjects to make an objection.
  • Stand on the other side of the podium from Crown Counsel and furthest away from the witness box.
  • Be well prepared. Know the factual basis of your file, the applicable law and the relevant procedural rules. Part of being well prepared means being able to answer questions from the court.
  • Be respectful in your comments. In your dealings with the Court adopt a formal approach which reflects courtesy and respect for the authority of the court. Let the court know what you are doing with phrases such as "with your Honour's leave I would like to approach the witness to show him his statement".
  • Do not interrupt the judge. Listen to what the judge says.
  • When the judge asks you a question, take your time to carefully consider your reply and then respond. It is important to answer clearly so that the judge understands you.
  • Address all remarks to Crown Counsel through the judge.
  • Do not quarrel with Crown Counsel, witnesses, or the Court.
  • Slow down. The judge will likely be taking notes, if you see that the judge is not looking at you and writing things down, pause and wait.


3. Appearing Remotely

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic an increasing number of court appearances are conducted remotely, both by legal representatives and accused persons. In BC, the Provincial Courts have chosen to use Microsoft Teams ("MS Teams") for remote court appearances. You can either dial in to the MS Teams meeting using a phone or join via a computer with a working internet connection and appear via video call.

If you wish to attend the appearance remotely, determine at which courthouse and in which courtroom the appearance is taking place, using Court Services Online (https://justice.gov.bc.ca/cso/esearch/criminal/partySearch.do). Call the court registry for that courthouse, tell them the courtroom, date, and time of the appearance. Ask for either the dial in number or the e-mail link for MS Teams for that courtroom on that day. You may also wish to ask for the conference number to ensure you attend the correct courtroom.

If you intend to appear remotely, you need to file a Court Videoconference Request form (ADM509) form at the court registry 5 business days prior to the hearing. If you submit the request form outside of the registry's regular hours, it must be done 21 business days in advance of the hearing. You will need to contact the Crown and inform them in order to receive consent.

All technology is prone to breakdowns and interruptions. If Crown Counsel knows that you intend to appear by MS Teams, they will be slow to seek a bench warrant if you are not present on the phone or on MS Teams at the correct time.

If appearing on MS Teams, you should keep the camera and microphone turned off until your matter is called. You should use the chat function of MS Teams to let Crown Counsel and the court know which matter you are present in court to address (last name and number of matter). Once the matter is called, turn on the camera. Keep the microphone off at all times until it is your turn to speak.

Please note that, if appearing remotely, it is likely that the matter will be called later than if you had attended in person. Law students representing clients are encouraged to attend appearances in person (unless ill) to observe the workflow of the active court.

For further information about appearing remotely and official court rules please refer to the webpage produced by the Provincial Court of British Columbia, "Participating Remotely": https://provincialcourt.bc.ca/navigating-court-case/information-all-types-cases/attending-court-case/participating-remotely  


v • d • e
 
Chapters 1-7
Criminal Law  · Youth Justice  · Family Law  · Victims  · Public Complaints · Human Rights  · Worker's Compensation
Chapter One:
Criminal Law
Chapter Two:
Youth Justice
Chapter Three:
Family Law
Chapter Four:
Victims
Chapter Five:
Public Complaints
Chapter Six:
Human Rights
Chapter Seven:
Workers' Compensation
I. Introduction · II. Legislation, Policy & Guidelines · III. Introduction to Compensation Claims · IV. LSLAP's Role at Initial Decision · V. Limitation Periods & Timing of Decisions · VI. Making a Claim · VII. The Claim Acceptance Process · VIII. Worker Status · IX. Disability and Causation · X. Time Limits & Procedures · XI. Claim Benefits · XII. Return-To-Work & Re-Employment · XIII. Appeals · XIV. Health and Safety Regulations · XV. Assessments of Employers · XVI. WCB Fair Practices Office · Appendix A: Abbreviations · Appendix B: List of Cases · Appendix C: Referrals · Appendix D: Resources · Appendix E: Claims Process Flow Chart · Appendix F: Checklist for Interviews · Appendix G: Checklist for Appeals · Appendix H: Sample Authorization Form
© Copyright 2026, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.


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