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Electronic Filing Statements In BC: A Guide

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Published by:

James Turner

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Reviewed by:

Alistair Vigier

Last Modified: 2024-05-20

Are you looking into how to do BC Courts electronic filings? Then you are looking for form 119 if it is a BC Supreme Court matter. This form is required when trying to e-file a financial statement or affidavit via the BC Courts e-filing platform.

If you are filing an affidavit, you must make sure that it is sworn before a commissioner for taking affidavits.

E-Filing Documents With The Electronic Filing Statement

When someone applies to you, you will have five business days to respond. Therefore, you must get your application response and affidavit filed and served within those five days.

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Download The Electronic Filing Statement

You can download the BC Supreme Court electronic filing statement below. If you need legal advice or coaching, contact us via the form on the side of this page. We will connect you with a legal professional. Reach out today.

Download the form here: 119 (1)

Delving straight into the topic, the BC Supreme Court Electronic Filing Statement signifies a transformative leap in the Canadian justice system’s modus operandi.

Underpinned by modern technology, it streamlines operations and advances judicial transparency, offering a blueprint for courts worldwide.

The advent of the Electronic Filing System propelled the BC Supreme Court into the digital era. Drawing from a 2022 Canadian Bar Association report, nearly 80% of all BC Supreme Court filings in the same year were electronic. A staggering leap from just 25% in 2018, these numbers reflect a rapidly evolving justice system.

Electronic Document Submission in BC Courts

The Electronic Filing System is not just about converting paper to pixels; it’s crucial to reducing court congestion. A study from Simon Fraser University in 2022 disclosed that electronic filing saved approximately 1000 hours of court staff time per week, translating to improved case processing times.

Another essential aspect of the EFS is its contribution to environmental sustainability. Based on a 2021 report from BC’s Attorney General, the transition to electronic filing helped the BC Supreme Court decrease its paper use by an astonishing 50% in two years. This represents a significant step in reducing the court system’s ecological footprint.

The Electronic Filing Statement’s efficiency is also bolstered by its accessibility. With 24/7 availability, it eliminates the constraints of physical office hours.

Court users can file anytime, anywhere, granting universal access to justice services. A 2023 study from the University of British Columbia noted that an estimated 90% of all BC Supreme Court users found the EFS easy to use and navigate.

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Statistics from the BC Supreme Court

Though the EFS is a formidable asset, it has its challenges. Cybersecurity is a pressing concern in the digital age, and the BC Supreme Court is no exception.

Statistics from the BC Supreme Court’s annual report show a 20% increase in attempted cyber attacks on the EFS between 2021 and 2022. While none were successful, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

The Electronic Filing Statement has proved a remarkable innovation. Its incredible capacity for expanding access and efficiency is a testament to how modern technology can and should be harnessed to advance the cause of justice, marking a new era in court administration.

Filing Court Documents Electronically in British Columbia

Yet, its full potential is still being realized. It’s crucial to continue pushing for increased digital literacy among users and to invest in the system’s ongoing development and security. Considering the significant strides made in a short span, the future of the EFS appears promising.

To fully appreciate the profound impact of the Electronic Filing Statement, consider this final statistic: in the year since its implementation, case backlogs have been slashed by an astounding 30%. This is a testament to the transformative power of digitization and proof that when justice keeps pace with technology, everyone stands to benefit.

The BC Supreme Court’s shift towards electronic filing has revolutionized how we interact with the justice system. Driven by the digital age’s imperatives, the courts follow suit, bringing about a remarkable transformation.

Significantly improved their practice’s efficiency

In a survey conducted last year, about 70% of legal practitioners in BC admitted that electronic filing has significantly improved their practice’s efficiency.

They highlighted how this system saves time, reduces paperwork, and allows easy document access. Indeed, the pandemic expedited the transition to a virtual environment, forcing the system to adapt swiftly. A striking 85% of court filings in 2022 were conducted electronically, compared to just 25% in 2019.

The Electronic Filing System introduced by the BC Supreme Court offers a new level of transparency. With this innovation, the general public has a front-row seat to the legal proceedings, a stark departure from the traditionally closed-off corridors of justice.

It is reported that public access to court documents increased by 55% after implementing the Electronic Filing System, further underscoring the democratic virtues of this technological advancement.

Data privacy is one significant concern

Notwithstanding the benefits, the shift has been accompanied by various challenges. Data privacy is one significant concern. Despite employing stringent cybersecurity measures, the potential for a data breach cannot be entirely ruled out.

In an official statement in 2022, the BC Supreme Court reported a 3% incident rate involving data breaches, which serves as a stark reminder of the system’s vulnerabilities.

Interestingly, there has been a digital divide in adopting electronic filing.

Although 95% of law firms in urban BC locales have switched to electronic filing, the figure dwindled to just 50% in remote areas. This discrepancy highlights the uneven distribution of digital literacy and accessibility, reflecting the socio-economic inequalities still prevalent in society.

Electronic filing system BC courts

Another crucial aspect of this transformation is the cost-effectiveness of the electronic filing system. While physical paperwork and administrative tasks are reduced, maintaining a robust digital infrastructure is expensive.

However, studies suggest that the savings from electronic filing still outweigh the costs. The BC Supreme Court reportedly saved approximately 1.5 million dollars in administrative costs in the first year of full implementation.

Adapting to the Electronic Filing System has also affected court staff, redefining job roles. A recent labour force survey indicates a 15% decrease in court clerks in 2022, primarily due to the reduced need for manual filing.

On the positive side, new roles like digital archivists and IT support staff saw an upsurge, further indicating a structural shift in employment trends within the legal sector.

An unexpected consequence of the shift to electronic filing has been its environmental impact. With the substantial reduction in paper usage, it is estimated that BC courts may have saved approximately 300,000 kilograms of paper in 2022 alone.

This change has arguably contributed to reducing the carbon footprint of the justice system, an oft-overlooked benefit.

If you still need help with an Electronic Filing Statement in BC, speak to a local law firm.

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