Your Trial in French
Last updated on June 9, 2021To better meet the needs of all British Columbians, the Ministry of Attorney General provides French-language services throughout the province for trials resulting from any criminal offence.
French-Language Services Available in Court
French-language trial services are available for a preliminary inquiry or for a trial.
French-speaking staff, Crown counsel and judge will be made available for your criminal trial. The French language court will be assembled on a case-by-case basis wherever the trial is directed to be held. An interpreter will be assigned to interpret evidence during the trial.
Written documents used for your preliminary inquiry or trial may be prepared in either French or English.
How to ask for a French-language trial
You must apply to the court in advance for a French-language trial. Talk to your lawyer or notify the judge or justice about holding your trial in French. Remember, you must ask for French-language services before the trial.
Further information
For more information on having a French-language trial, contact your local court registry.
Related Links
A jury is a group of people who decide if an accused person in a criminal trial is guilty or if a claim in a civil trial has been proven. Learn more about jury duty.
Check our alphabetical list of criminal justice terms along with their definitions.