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Introduction

This article deals with the structure of the Courts in Alberta.  There are three levels of Court in Alberta: the Provincial Court, the Court of Queen's Bench (including the Surrogate Court) and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. 

The Provincial Court

The Provincial Court is established by the Provincial Court Act. There are four divisions to the Provincial Court of Alberta: the Civil Division, the Family Division, the Youth Division and the Criminal Division.

The Civil Division hears civil claims of up to $25,000.00. This Court is sometimes referred to as the "small claims" Court.

The Family and Youth Divisions deal with certain matrimonial law matters and with Young Offenders.

The Criminal Division deals with criminal matters.

Court of Queen's Bench

The Court of Queen's Bench is the superior trial Court of Alberta. It has general jurisdiction over criminal and civil matters.

The Surrogate Division deals with all matter relating to wills and estates.

Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal is Alberta's highest Court. It is a Court of appellate jurisdiction meaning that it only hears appeals from lower Court (or tribunal) decisions. 

This Court sits in panels of 3 when hearing an appeal.