Requirements for preparing a book of authorities

Last revised December 04, 2024

Supreme Court of BC

Family

A book of authorities consists of the legal authorities (case law, legislation and legal texts) that are essential to the case. According to The British Columbia Family Practice Manual, it should be indexed, bound, and tabbed, and the pages numbered. For lengthy cases that are commonly referred to, an excerpt of the relevant pages is sufficient. An extra copy should be prepared for the judge and the other side.

Administrative Notice 19 provides Cover Page Requirements for documents submitted to the registry.

Civil

In a civil trial, a book of authorities is usually prepared that contains the case law, texts and legislation that will be relied on to support the case. Similarly, for application and petition records, if the authorities relied on are more than a few cases, then a book of authorities should be prepared. It should be in a binder, include an index, tabs and page numbers. An extra copy should be prepared for the judge and the other side.

Administrative Notice 19 provides Cover Page Requirements for documents submitted to the registry.

BC Court of Appeal

BC Court of Appeal Rule 27 and the Court of Appeal Completion Instructions provide the requirements for books of authorities. Details for citation practices are found in the British Columbia Court of Appeal civil and criminal citation of authorities practice directive.

Federal Courts

 Federal Courts Rule 348 provides the requirements for books of authorities in the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal.  Rules 65 – 69 provide the requirements as to format and content.

Supreme Court of Canada

Supreme Court of Canada Rule 44 provides the requirements for books of authorities.

Content reviewed December 4, 2024