COVID-19 response: Courts

Do not enter a courthouse if you:

  • have any COVID-19 symptoms
  • had contact with a person who recently tested positive for COVID-19

At the courthouses

  • They are helping keep Albertans safe by following Government of Alberta guidelines.
  • Attendance is limited to people with court business.
  • You may be asked some questions like:
    • Are you required to be at the courthouse?
    • Are you experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms?
    • Have you been asked to self-isolate by Alberta Health Services?

Inside the courthouses

  • Wear a mask.
    • Masks will be available at courthouses starting July 6.
  • Read the directions posted around the courthouse.
  • Watch for the floor markers.
  • Do not sit in blocked-off seating.
  • Use the marked entrance and exit doors.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
    • Hand sanitizing stations are available.

Find out more

For more information about Alberta’s COVID-19 response, visit COVID-19 info for Albertans.

Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal is the only appeals court in Alberta.

It hears civil and criminal appeals for:

  • most Court of Queen's Bench decisions
  • some Provincial Court decisions
  • some administrative tribunals’ decisions

Court of Queen's Bench

The Court of Queen's Bench is the superior trial court of Alberta.

It hears:

  • civil trials, including all claims over $50,000
  • criminal trials for serious Criminal Code offences
  • jury trials
  • appeals of Provincial Court decisions

The Court also:

  • deals with foreclosure, bankruptcy, insolvency and other civil matters
  • oversees the probate – official proving – and administration of estate matters

Provincial Court

The Provincial Court is the main entry point into Alberta’s court system.

It deals with civil claims up to $50,000 and the majority of:

  • adult criminal cases
  • youth criminal cases
  • family matters – except divorce and matrimonial property
  • traffic offences

 

Related

Court procedures

Courtroom etiquette

Jury duty

Apply to be a provincial judge

Judicial complaints