Court Structure
This is the highest court in Canada and the final court of appeal
What is the Supreme Court of Canada?
This court handles disputes between taxpayers and the Canada Revenue Agency
What is the Tax Court?
A driver challenges a speeding ticket. Which court will hear the case?
What is a Provincial Court?
These special courts deal only with service members charged under military law
What is Military Court?
This court can rule on the constitutionality of laws and interpret how the Charter of Rights and Freedoms applies
What is the Supreme Court?
A soldier convicted of misconduct appeals the ruling, arguing a Charter violation. Which court hears the appeal?
What is the Court Martial Appeal Court?
These courts handle most everyday cases like traffic violations, minor crimes, and small claims
What are Provincial Courts?
This court reviews decisions from lower provincial or superior courts but does not hold new trials
What are Provincial Courts of Appeal?
An environmental group sues the federal government over a pipeline approval. Which court hears it first?
What is the Federal Court of Canada?
This branch of courts deals specifically with cases involving federal laws, such as immigration or taxation.
What is Federal Court?
This military appeal court reviews convictions or sentences from Courts Martial
What is the Court Martial Appeal Court?
A worker is denied compensation after an on-site injury and wants to appeal. Which body will handle it?
What is an Administrative Tribunal? (Workers’ Compensation Tribunal)
These courts hear serious criminal cases and large civil disputes, and they can also hear appeals from lower courts
What are Provincial/Territorial Superior Courts?
These bodies act like courts but focus on specific issues such as human rights, tenancy, or workers’ compensation
What are Administrative Tribunals?
A journalist loses a defamation case in the BC Supreme Court and believes the judge misapplied freedom of expression law. Where can they appeal?
What is the Provincial/BC Court of Appeal?