There are three types of Provincial courts. Provincial trial
courts, superior provincial courts, and provincial courts of
appeal.
Provincial trial courts are defined under section 92 of the
Constitution and are courts of original jurisdiction. They have a
wide subject matter jurisdiction, including youth court, family
court (not including divorce), small claims court (<$25000),
summary crimes, probate court, and traffic court. They also do
preliminary hearings to determine whether there is enough evidence
to go forward with a trial. Judges are appointed by the
premiere.
Superior provincial courts are defined under section 96 of the
Constitution and are courts of both original and appellate
jurisdiction. They hear appeals from the provincial trial courts
and also hear cases of first instance for indictable offences or
very serious misdemeanors. They are run through a combination of
provincial administration and federal appointment.
Provincial appeal courts are governed under section 96 of the
Constitution. They are courts of appellate jurisdiction meaning
that they hear appeals from lower courts in their respective
provinces.
