An appeal asks a higher court (the BC Supreme Court or BC Court of Appeal) to review the decision of a judge or judicial justice to determine if any errors were made by them. The appellate court will consider if there is evidence to support that there was an error in applying the law, a mistake in reviewing the facts or a mix of both. If the higher court finds an error, this may result in overturning a decision, declaring a mistrial<p><span lang="EN-US">When a trial ends without a final judgment because there has been a fundamental problem with the process or when a jury in BC Supreme Court cannot reach a decision.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> or ordering a new trial. You appeal a conviction or sentence<p><span lang="EN-US">A court order setting out the consequences of being convicted of a crime. Sentences may include fines, community supervision or jail.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> for a Criminal Code<p><span lang="EN-US">Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)</span><span lang="EN-US"> is the federal law that applies across Canada and sets out criminal offences, sentences and how a criminal case proceeds. A judge must follow the law in the </span><span lang="EN-US">Criminal Code</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> indictable offence to the BC Court of Appeal. You appeal a decision of the Provincial Court to the BC Supreme Court in these types of cases: 

• Small claims 

• Family 

• Criminal Code summary conviction offences (for conviction and sentence appeals) 

• Traffic and bylaw 

There are time limits for filing appeals. For example, you must file an appeal within 30 days of acquittal<p><span lang="EN-US">When, at the end of a trial, the judge finds the accused not guilty of committing the crime.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> or 30 days of the date a sentence is imposed.  

BC Supreme Court
BC Court of Appeal

Judicial reviews