Civil Jury Instructions--ONLINE

The only full set of civil jury instructions in Canada

This publication is essential for: Canadian trial judges and litigators working with civil juries

Current to: November 1, 2025

Jury trials involve an immense amount of work, especially when it comes to researching and writing charges. With approximately 100 standard, plain language instructions on jury trial procedure, evidence, torts, defences, and damages, Civil Jury Instructions does the heavy lifting for you. User notes and annotations to the instructions alert you to the relevant legal authorities, provide warnings, and offer alternative language. Checklists, sample questions, and a user guide help you effectively prepare for your jury trial.

With an online subscription to Civil Jury Instructions, your firm will be able to:

• conveniently access detailed guidance at any time and from any location, search for relevant information, link directly to significant legislation, case law, and websites, and download precedents
• understand the specific evidence required to prove a particular action or defence
• save time researching, drafting, and updating your collection of civil jury instructions
  
• effectively prepare for trial

Subscribe today and communicate clearly to civil juries! View a sample from this book!

Highlights of the 2026 Update include:

• availability of jury trials during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July 2026
• BCSC regarding election of jury trial during the COVID-19 pandemic
• BCSC regarding the plaintiff's presumptive right to trial by jury
• BCCA regarding the court's recommendation about when to canvass the Jury Act s. 22 discretion with counsel
• BCSC regarding the test for misconduct
• enhanced discussion of jury awards of non-pecuniary damages over the rough upper limit
• BCCA regarding misdirection where there were competing theories of liability based on whether one party's conduct was illegal
• BCCA regarding the court's finding in the absence of expert evidence on the standard of care
• BCCA decision where a school district was vicariously liable for sexual abuse committed by an individual who volunteered at a school
• ONCA decision explaining the difference between "informed consent" for a medical procedure and consent to perform procedures
• BCSC regarding whether a defendant city breached its employment contract with an employee by implementing a vaccination policy during the COVID-19 pandemic
• BCSC regarding the circumstances under which an employee is free to change their mind about retirement
• BCCA decision regarding a claim of inducement and its effect on the length of the notice period
• BCSC regarding relevant factors to consider in determining whether a statement alleged to be defamatory was made on an occasion of qualified privilege
• BCCA in a defamation case cautioning against awarding aggravated damages due to the risk of double compensation
• enhanced discussion of the physical elements of a sexual assault, citing a BCSC case where tortious liability may be found despite criminal acquittal, as well as a BCSC case where criminal conviction of sexual assault was held to satisfy the requisite elements of the tort of sexual battery
• BCSC and ONCA in sexual assault cases discussing the frailties of eyewitness identification
• BCCA on the differences between the two approaches to quantifying an award under "lost future earning capacity" head of damages
• under Family Compensation Act, BCCA allowing a claim for loss of a son's unpaid labour to a closely held family company

Annual subscription rates are based on firm size. A monthly payment option is available.

Online subscribers can purchase a print copy of Civil Jury Instructions for 20% off its regular price.

Discover all of our Litigation resources here

CLEBC Legal Editor
L. Joy Tataryn
jtataryn@cle.bc.ca

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Chapters

Part 1—Civil Jury Procedure

Part 2—Opening Comments to the Jury Panel

Part 3—Abbreviated Instructions

Part 4—Introductory Instructions and Instructions on the Evidence Following the Submissions of Counsel

Part 5—Negligence—Common Law

Part 6—Vicarious Liability

Part 7—False Imprisonment

Part 8—Defences

Part 9—Medical Negligence

Part 10—Occupier's Liability

Part 11—Wrongful Dismissal

Part 12—Defamation

Part 13—Sexual Assault

Part 14—Damages—Personal Injury

Part 15—Damages—Fatal Accidents

Part 16—Closing Remarks to Jury

Part 17—Post-Charge Instructions

Appendices

Tables
Case Table
Statutes and Related Material Table
Index

Editorial Board
James U. Buckley — Slater Vecchio LLP, Vancouver
Jan A. Fishman — Jan A. Fishman Law Corporation, Vancouver
Rose A. Keith, KC — Harper Grey LLP, Vancouver

Authors
The Honourable Justice Carla L. Forth — Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver
The Honourable Justice Alison M. Latimer — Supreme Court of BC, Vancouver
The Honourable Justice Jennifer Power — Supreme Court of BC, Victoria