Edmonton’s court system is a vital part of Alberta’s justice infrastructure. This guide provides comprehensive information about the different courts in Edmonton, their functions, and how to navigate the legal system effectively.
Whether you’re involved in a legal matter or simply seeking information, understanding Edmonton’s court structure can help you make informed decisions about your legal needs.
Edmonton Court Structure
Edmonton’s court system consists of several levels, each with specific jurisdiction and responsibilities:
Provincial Court of Alberta
- Handles most criminal cases
- Deals with family law matters
- Processes traffic violations
- Handles small claims (up to $50,000)
- Addresses provincial offenses
Court of King’s Bench
- Handles serious criminal cases
- Deals with civil claims over $50,000
- Processes family law matters
- Handles appeals from Provincial Court
- Deals with complex legal issues
Court of Appeal of Alberta
- Hears appeals from lower courts
- Reviews legal errors
- Interprets laws
- Sets legal precedents
- Located in Edmonton
Court Locations and Contact Information
Edmonton Law Courts Building
- Address: 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R2
- Phone: 780-422-1111
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
- Services: Criminal, Family, and Civil matters
Provincial Court
- Address: 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R2
- Phone: 780-422-1111
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
- Services: Criminal, Family, Traffic, and Small Claims
Court of King’s Bench
- Address: 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 0R2
- Phone: 780-422-1111
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
- Services: Civil, Family, and Criminal matters
Court Services and Resources
Self-Represented Litigant Services
- Free legal information
- Court form assistance
- Process guidance
- Resource materials
- Online tools
- Workshops and clinics
Family Law Information Centre
- Free legal information
- Document preparation help
- Court process guidance
- Referral services
- Support resources
- Educational materials
Court Forms and Documents
- Online form access
- Filing instructions
- Document requirements
- Process guides
- Fee schedules
- Submission guidelines
Court Procedures and Processes
Criminal Court Process
- First appearance
- Disclosure review
- Pre-trial conference
- Trial preparation
- Trial proceedings
- Sentencing
Civil Court Process
- Filing claim
- Serving documents
- Discovery process
- Pre-trial conference
- Trial preparation
- Trial proceedings
Family Court Process
- Initial filing
- Case conference
- Disclosure exchange
- Settlement conference
- Trial preparation
- Trial proceedings
Court Rules and Requirements
Dress Code
- Business attire required
- No casual clothing
- No hats or sunglasses
- Professional appearance
- Respectful attire
- Courtroom decorum
Conduct Rules
- No cell phones
- No food or drinks
- No recording devices
- No disruptive behavior
- Respect court staff
- Follow instructions
Filing Requirements
- Proper forms
- Correct fees
- Multiple copies
- Timely submission
- Proper service
- Document organization
Court Support Services
Legal Aid
- Financial assistance
- Legal representation
- Advice services
- Eligibility screening
- Application help
- Referral services
Victim Services
- Court support
- Information provision
- Safety planning
- Referral services
- Emotional support
- Resource connection
Interpreter Services
- Language interpretation
- Sign language services
- Cultural support
- Translation services
- Accessibility assistance
- Special needs support
Court Technology and Online Services
Online Services
- Court form access
- Case status checking
- Document filing
- Fee payment
- Scheduling tools
- Resource access
Electronic Filing
- Document submission
- Payment processing
- Case management
- Communication tools
- Status updates
- Record access
Court Records
- Document access
- Case information
- Public records
- Search tools
- Copy services
- Research assistance
Court Fees and Costs
Filing Fees
- Civil claims
- Family matters
- Criminal appeals
- Document filing
- Service fees
- Copy charges
Payment Methods
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Cash payments
- Money orders
- Certified cheques
- Online payment
Fee Waivers
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Documentation required
- Review process
- Approval conditions
- Appeal rights
Court Security and Safety
Security Measures
- Metal detectors
- Bag checks
- Security personnel
- Surveillance systems
- Emergency protocols
- Safety procedures
Prohibited Items
- Weapons
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Recording devices
- Dangerous items
- Restricted materials
Emergency Procedures
- Evacuation plans
- Emergency contacts
- Safety protocols
- Response procedures
- Communication systems
- Support services
Court Accessibility
Physical Access
- Wheelchair access
- Elevator service
- Accessible washrooms
- Parking facilities
- Signage
- Support services
Special Needs
- Hearing assistance
- Visual support
- Mobility aids
- Communication tools
- Special arrangements
- Support services
Language Services
- Interpretation
- Translation
- Cultural support
- Language access
- Communication aids
- Support resources
Court Education and Resources
Public Education
- Court tours
- Information sessions
- Educational materials
- Online resources
- Workshops
- Seminars
Legal Education
- Law student programs
- Professional development
- Continuing education
- Training programs
- Certification courses
- Specialized training
Community Outreach
- School programs
- Public presentations
- Community events
- Information booths
- Resource distribution
- Partnership programs
Court Contact Information
General Inquiries
- Phone: 780-422-1111
- Email: edmonton.courts@gov.ab.ca
- Website: www.albertacourts.ab.ca
- Address: 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM
Specific Services
- Family Law Information Centre
- Self-Represented Litigant Services
- Victim Services
- Legal Aid
- Court Administration
- Security Services
Note: This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice regarding your situation, please consult with a qualified lawyer in Edmonton.