Community Legal Information Association of Prince Edward Island

CLIA has recently completed a research project, funded by the Law Foundation, on the experiences of self represented litigants in PEI. The project looks at the feasibility of a self-help centre or other assistance for those who go to court without a lawyer.

The researcher, Ann Sherman, will be presenting her research at the Annual General Meeting of Community Legal Information Association on Wednesday June 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Grafton Room of the Charlottetown Hotel.

Self-represented litigants told Ann about their experiences in court and what they would have liked to have known before they appeared before a judge. They wished they had been better prepared for the trial and had known how to prepare Applications, Motions and Variations. They said they needed information about court procedure and potential outcomes in their case. They also wished they had known about the consequences of going to court and losing their case.

Judges, court staff and lawyers independently supported the concerns of self-represented litigants, noting that ‘selfers’ do not know the Rules of Court nor do they know how to present evidence in court.

The research paper recommends a spectrum of responses the court system could make to meet the needs of self-represented litigants, court staff, lawyers and judges.

Community Legal Information Association (CLIA) is also very excited to launch their new website at the event. The website will contain legal information, publications, news, links, and contacts. The board of directors and staff of CLIA anticipate that the website will prove to be an important legal resource for Islanders. 

The Board of Directors and staff invite everyone to attend. This event will be an excellent opportunity to learn about the services and programs available to Islanders through Community Legal Information Association.

For more information, please contact us.