The Court of Appeal recognises openness and accountability to the public as critical to democracy and the rule of law. Members of the media and public are welcome to observe court proceedings. All courtrooms (physical and virtual) are open to the media and the public except where restricted by law or by order of a judge.

The Honourable Bruce Cohen is the Superior Courts Communications Officer. In this role, Mr. Cohen is a spokesperson for the Superior Courts and a liaison between the Superior Courts Judiciary and the media. He is able to provide information respecting the decisions of the Superior Courts and initiatives undertaken by the Superior Courts to improve access to justice or to make the Superior Courts' processes more efficient and affordable. Mr. Cohen may be contacted by email at SCJCommunicationsOfficer@bccourts.ca.

Covering a Court of Appeal Proceeding

There are a few points to keep in mind when covering proceedings in the Court of Appeal:

1. Media Accreditation: Pursuant to the British Columbia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and Provincial Courts’ Media Accreditation Process, media accreditation is not required for a journalist to attend open court proceedings. However, accredited media enjoy certain privileges regarding the use of electronic devices in the courtroom. For full details, please refer to the Courts’ Policy on Use of Electronic Devices in Courtrooms.
   
   
2. Electronic Devices: The use of electronic devices in the Court of Appeal is permitted, provided the devices are used in a silent and discreet manner. Video recording is strictly prohibited. Audio recording is permitted by accredited media for the purpose of verifying notes - media accreditation should be prominently displayed. For more information on obtaining accreditation and covering proceedings:
   
   
   • Media Accreditation Process
   • Policy on Use of Electronic Devices in Courtrooms
     
     
3. Publication Bans: Media must abide by all publication bans. Information about publication bans may be found here. A useful list of bans and their effect may be found in Appendix "B" of the Access Policy. Registry staff or the Court clerk at the hearing may be able to assist you with additional information on publication bans. 

Court Information

1. Hearing Lists: The Court of Appeal posts and also updates its weekly hearing lists, which are available here.
   
   
2. Requesting and Accessing Court Records: Sections 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 of the Court of Appeal Record and Courtroom Access Policy discuss how to obtain court records.
   
   
• Access Request Form: Court of Appeal Court Records (PDF, 236 KB)
• Access Request Form: Minute Sheets and Listening to Audio of Court of Appeal Proceedings (PDF, 246 KB)
  

Per the Notice Regarding Modified Court of Appeal Procedures and Access to Court Proceedings during the COVID-19 Pandemic, accredited media seeking remote access to DARS must attach a signed version of the DARS Remote Access Media Undertaking (PDF, 528 KB) to the email automatically generated when they submit the Access Request Form: Minute Sheets and Listening to Audio of Court of Appeal Proceedings (PDF, 246 KB).

3. Court Services Online (CSO): This service will allow you to electronically access certain court records for a fee. The service may be found here.
   
   
4. Annual Reports: Information and statistics about the operations of the Court of Appeal are contained in the Court's Annual Reports. Information about individual justices may be found here.
   
   
5. Requests for Interviews: Section 2.7 of the Access Policy covers media interviews. The Chief Justice and Justices of the Court do not comment on specific cases. However, requests for other interviews may be made by completing the Speaker or Interview Request Form and submitting it by email to SCJCommunicationsOfficer@BCCourts.ca.