Criminal justice

The criminal justice system is a foundation of Canadian society. It plays an important part in creating a just, peaceful and safe society. It does this by maintaining public safety, enforcing laws and protecting people’s rights. British Columbia works hard to ensure the best information about the criminal justice system is easily accessible to all British Columbians.

Services and information topics

B.C.'s criminal justice system

The criminal justice system is a foundation of Canadian society. It plays an important part in maintaining a just, peaceful and safe society. It does this by maintaining public safety, enforcing laws and protecting people’s rights.

Policing in B.C.

British Columbia has diverse communities with their own needs for policing.

BC Prosecution Service

The BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) promotes public safety, justice, and respect for the rule of law by making principled charge assessment decisions and conducting fair and effective prosecutions and appeals.

Victims of Crime

Services are available to help you deal with the emotional, physical and financial effects of a crime. Government and non-profit organizations offer many free services and programs across British Columbia.

Vancouver's Downtown Community Court

As the first of its kind in Canada, Vancouver's Downtown Community Court pioneered the innovative approach that brings together justice, health and social services in one location – a purpose-designed courthouse.

Investigation and Standards Office

Last updated: January 9, 2023

Court Lists

The Criminal Court List page provides links to the following court lists:

Adult Court Lists and Adult Supreme Court Lists which show scheduled court appearances for today.
Adult Completed Court Lists (Provincial) and Adult Completed Court Lists (Supreme) which list results of Court from the past five days.

Corrections

BC Corrections helps keep British Columbians safe by managing adults who are in custody or under community supervision.

Sex Offender Registry

The Sex Offender Information Registration Act requires individuals convicted of designated sex offences to register with the police for 10 years, 20 years or for life depending on the offence and other factors. The purpose of the act is to help police prevent and investigate sex-related crimes.

The Ministry of Attorney General does not give legal advice outside of government. It does not pay directly for individuals or groups to have legal representation. For legal information, education and help, please visit the websites below:

The Investigation and Standards Office (ISO) is an independent body of the Ministry of Attorney General. Its responsibilities include investigating complaints made by inmates at provincial correctional centres and probationers supervised in the community.

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The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.