Preventive law (also known as “preventative law”) is an approach to law that empowers people about their legal rights and responsibilities, while minimizing the risks of litigation.In the cyberpunk science fiction film, The Matrix, there’s an iconic scene where the main character, Neo, meets … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life of Alberta Law Libraries
Did you know that Alberta Law Libraries offers services to the public, not just the legal profession? Each day, staff support Albertans by answering questions about court forms, legal research, processes and more.Working for Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) is an engaging and rewarding career, but … [Read more...]
Artificial Intelligence in Public Legal Education: An experiment from the bottom up
The Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) undertook a trial of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to explore ways to improve both internal workflows and its public legal education and information resources.The 2022–2023 Bridging the Gaps Legal Needs Assessment from the Alberta Law … [Read more...]
When Silence Speaks Volumes
Low reporting rates for sexual violence reveal a lot about the need for specialized services that prioritize safety, choice and long-term support beyond the traditional justice system.Despite decades of advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and law reform, the vast majority of sexual violence … [Read more...]
Justice Navigators: The quiet helpers in the legal system
Justice navigators are non-lawyer professionals working in community agencies that support their clients’ engagement with the legal system. Their work is varied, and their impact is great.Community justice helper. Service provider. Intermediary. Intake worker. Court support worker. Settlement … [Read more...]
Translating Justice: Overcoming Language Barriers in Law
While Alberta's only official language is English, there are legal information and support services that can help you access justice in another language.Do you, or someone you know, need legal help but have difficulties communicating in English? As a multicultural country, Canada is home to … [Read more...]
Are you being legally misinformed?
Misinformation is one of society’s current challenges. While technological tools increase access to useful and crucial information, they also facilitate the spread of false information.Misinformation is inaccurate information published as truth. If the information is intentionally deceptive, … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Your Day in Court: A few more tips
In most cases, there are things you can do to avoid court, including finding reliable information, noting up case law, understanding the general rules and exceptions, and knowing whether a law actually exists.If you are experiencing a legal issue, you might think court is the place to resolve … [Read more...]
Alberta Court Forms: A form of art
If you are going to court to deal with a legal issue, you likely have to fill out forms. While even finding the right forms can be a challenging and overwhelming process, Alberta Law Libraries has a few tips.If you have gone to court, you probably have a memory, story or reaction to court … [Read more...]
Canadian Legal System: The role of libraries in access to justice
There are many different kinds of libraries that support and provide access to our Canadian legal system, including courthouse libraries, legislative libraries, public libraries and more.Libraries are essential to sustaining democracy and accessing justice. They retain and preserve official … [Read more...]
