Resources
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Civil Procedure
If you are involved in litigation you have to be aware not only of substantive law (legislation and decided cases) but also the Court's process. Your starting point is the Nova Scotia Civil Procedure Rules.
Legislation - Statutes
You need to know if our Provincial legislators have created statutes (acts) pertaining to your situation. The current laws of the Province are listed in alphabetical order in the consolidated public statutes.
Legislation - Regulations
Not all statutes will have related regulations but many will. If there are applicable statutes you must also be familiar with any pertinent regulations. The Province has complied a list of Nova Scotia regulations listed by statute.
Federal Legislation
The Federal Government has jurisdiction over such things as banking, fisheries, shipping, and Indigenous rights. See the division of powers for guidance on what is governed provincially and federally. Follow the link for Federal Acts including the Criminal Code.
Common Law
Judges will write decisions after hearing the merits of a case. These decisions become what is known as common law and past outcomes may influence or determine the outcome of your case. CanLII is a free legal research database you can use to locate judicial decisions.
Local By-Laws
You need to know if your municipality has by-laws related to your issue. By-laws may vary from one municipality to another. The by-laws of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality can be accessed by clicking the icon.
Parties
Before you commence a legal proceeding it is critical that you name the appropriate party or parties. You can search the Registry of Joint Stock Companies database for information on entities doing businesses in Nova Scotia.
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia
LISNS is a charitable non-profit organization which provides Nova Scotians with information and resources about the law. LISNS offers resources for such things as navigating the Small Claims Court and help with certain legal questions.