Survey on Virtual Hearings and Self-Represented Litigants
“The National Self-Represented Litigants Project (NSRLP) is conducting this research project in order to understand self-represented litigants’ experiences with virtual hearings in all legal environments (family, civil, criminal, tribunal). This anonymous survey will give us data that we will analyze and discuss in a research paper. This paper will conclude with recommendations to Canadian courts and tribunals for developing and improving virtual hearing processes. This paper will be released in early 2024, and will be widely distributed both publicly and to key stakeholders in the justice system. “
Free legal information and assistance
For anyone needing help with family and civil law matters, legal assistance will be available with 50 minute appointments available in-person in the library and virtual over Zoom on alternating weeks.
Available appointments are shown on the calendar. For more free resources check the links below.
How can the Law Library Hub help you?
- Currently able to assist with Family or Civil matters only
- Answer general legal questions
- Review court documents and assist with next steps
- Outline options for dealing with a legal problem
- Explain court processes and procedures
- Explore other resources available
Self-help Resources and Links
Canadian Judicial Council – Guides for self-represented litigants
These handbooks make it simple for self-represented litigants to access information for each province and territory in both official languages on how to prepare for a hearing, the applicable rules and law, where to find free or lower cost legal help and related resource agencies, among many other things.
It is important to note that while these handbooks cannot anticipate all of the possible situations that may arise, they provide a starting point that will assist and guide litigants. The Handbooks do not provide legal advice and are not a substitute for the advice that a lawyer may provide. The Handbooks provide general information only.
Additional Resources
Community Legal Education Association (CLEA) www.communitylegal.mb.ca
“CLEA is a charitable organization that provides legal information to Manitobans. CLEA develops programs and resources especially to work with communities where there are understood needs. These services help individuals better understand our legal system and how to resolve their legal issues."
Legal Aid Manitoba
Legal Aid Manitoba (LAM) works to ensure that eligible Manitobans have access to justice, including those who are disadvantaged and facing a well-resourced individual or entity in court—from women fleeing abusive relationships to immigrants facing deportation to same-sex families fighting for inclusion.
Legal Help Centre
Improving access to legal and social service resources for socially and economically disadvantaged members of the community by providing legal support, education and referrals in partnership with students and volunteers.
National Self-Represented Litigants Project
https://representingyourselfcanada.com/
The NSRLP works to promote dialogue and collaboration among all those affected by the self-represented litigant phenomenon, both justice system professionals and litigants themselves. We regularly publish resources designed specifically for SRLs, as well as research reports that examine the implications for the justice system.
Winnipeg Public Library's Legal Info Guide
http://guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/c.php?g=518331&p=3544480
Find where to get legal help, learn about the court system, look up legislation, and find advocacy organizations.
Helpful texts
Laws and Decisions
https://www.canlii.org/en/ - The CanLII.org website provides access to court judgments from all Canadian courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada, federal courts, and the courts in all Canada’s provinces and territories. CanLII.org also contains decisions from many tribunals nationally.
Manitoba Laws https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/index.php - Online source of current provincial Manitoba acts and regulations.