Rules Revision Project

The Civil Procedure Rules govern proceedings in Nova Scotia's Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The Civil Procedure Rules are made and amended by the Judges of the Supreme and Appeal Courts under the authority of the Judicature Act R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 240, s. 46

Although the Rules have served the province well, concerns about delays, costs, and undue complexity of Court proceedings suggested they needed to be examined in detail and re-written where required.

The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, conducted a comprehensive review and revision of the Rules between 2004 and 2008. At the invitation of the Supreme Court, the Law Reform Commission, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, and the Nova Scotia Department of Justice are participated in the Rules Revision Project.

The aim of this collaborative effort was to develop Rules which are efficient, effective, and clear which would help to reduce delays, lessen expenses and lead to more satisfactory results, thereby improving access to justice.

The project is now almost completed. All the Civil Procedure Rules (except Rule 13 - Family Proceedings) have been revised and approved by the Judges of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. It is expected that these revised Rules will go into effect sometime in the atumn of 2008. Rule 13 - Family Proceedings will follow in 2009.

To view the new Civil Procedure Rules of Nova Scotia, click here>>

For a list of people who have been working on the Rules Revision Project, click here >>

To view the consultation and feedback sessions held, click here>>

For a list of the committees' reports, click here>>

To view suggested rules changes offered by the profession, click here>>