Presenting: The Evidence Primer
Plus: Are you an SRL with an invisible disability?
We want to hear from you

Brand new Primer on Evidence

We're so pleased to share a brand new resource for self-represented litigants with you today, our wonderful Evidence Primer, written by Martha Campbell, LLB, and Justice Clayton Conlan - huge thanks to them both for all their time spent on this project. 

Navigating the rules on evidence has been a struggle we've heard from SRLs about over and over, and we're so happy to now be able to provide this guide. What is evidence, as defined by the court? How do you make use of it? The Primer breaks down the general structure of evidence law, how rules of civil procedure work, and where you can find the rules for your province or territory.

It provides a basic overview of the provincial rules of evidence for civil cases (including family cases). It does not cover rules in relation to federal or criminal law cases. In common with all our Primers, it focuses on practical knowledge and tips that are important for you, and does not offer a comprehensive examination of all the issues that may arise in the application of evidence law.

Find The Evidence Primer Here

Seeking SRLs with Invisible Disabilities

We’re looking to connect with SRLs who are navigating the courts with a cognitive disability – which means you may need to ask for things such as more time to prepare, breaks during your hearing, a support person (or McKenzie Friend) to sit with you, etc.
 
Our Director, Julie, is presenting to the Ontario Courts Accessibility Committee, chaired by Associate Chief Justice Fairburn, in June. She wants to be able to bring forward some of the difficult experiences SRLs with cognitive disabilities (for example, among others, a brain injury, PTSD, ADD) have had in the courts since the pandemic began.
 
If this has been your experience, please send your story to representingyourself@gmail.com. If it's easier for you to chat with one of our team over the phone, please let us know in your email, and we’d be happy to connect that way. 
 
We’d love to hear stories from anyone in this position, but we are especially interested in hearing from anyone who has filed a motion to have an accommodation request considered, instead of being able to process this through an Accessibility Services Co-ordinator.
 
Thank you for your time – we look forward to hearing from you!