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BC Private Investigator: Courts, burden of proof and testifying

The levels of Canadian and B.C. courts, the Civil Resolution Tribunal and Small Claims Court limits, criminal and civil burdens of proof, subpoenas, oaths, direct and cross-examination, and what counts as a crime for licensing.

  • 13 questions
  • Topic drill
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Courts, burden of proof and testifying · Question 1Score 0/0

Up to what amount can B.C.'s Small Claims Court (Provincial Court) hear a case?

Study reference: B.C. private investigator law and public guidance (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Courts and testifying — Ontario PI Study Guide Section 4 (Canadian court system); gov.bc.ca Small claims and witness pages; Privacy Act s. 4

All 13 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. Up to what amount can B.C.'s Small Claims Court (Provincial Court) hear a case?

    1. $25,000
    2. $50,000
    3. $10,000
    4. $35,000

  2. After the lawyer who called a PI as a witness finishes questioning, what happens?

    1. The judge declares a verdict
    2. The jury questions the witness
    3. The other side may cross-examine
    4. The witness gives a closing speech

  3. Why are witnesses usually kept out of the courtroom until they testify?

    1. Because seating is reserved for lawyers
    2. So other testimony does not influence them
    3. Because they might distract the judge
    4. Because their notes must be checked first

  4. Can a PI's written report replace their testimony at a criminal trial?

    1. Yes, as long as it is sent to the judge before the trial begins
    2. Yes, if the client signs it as well
    3. Yes, if the report is notarized
    4. No, evidence must normally be given orally

  5. What must the Crown prove in a criminal trial?

    1. Guilt on a balance of probabilities
    2. That the accused is probably guilty
    3. Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
    4. Guilt to the satisfaction of the victim

  6. What is it called when a witness knowingly lies under oath?

    1. Perjury
    2. Contempt
    3. Hearsay
    4. Mischief

  7. In B.C., which body resolves most small claims up to $5,000?

    1. The Supreme Court of B.C.
    2. The Registrar of Security Services
    3. The B.C. Court of Appeal
    4. The Civil Resolution Tribunal

  8. A PI receives a subpoena to testify. What is it?

    1. A court order that requires attendance
    2. A notice that the file is now closed
    3. A bill for the cost of the trial
    4. A request the PI may decline politely

  9. A person sues a PI under B.C.'s Privacy Act. Which court must hear the case?

    1. The Civil Resolution Tribunal
    2. The Provincial Court
    3. Small Claims Court
    4. The Supreme Court of B.C.

  10. What is the burden of proof in a civil lawsuit?

    1. Proof by two independent witnesses
    2. Beyond any possible doubt
    3. The balance of probabilities
    4. Beyond a reasonable doubt

  11. Which court is the highest court in Canada?

    1. The Federal Court
    2. The Supreme Court of B.C.
    3. The B.C. Court of Appeal
    4. The Supreme Court of Canada

  12. How should a PI approach every investigation, according to the study guide?

    1. As if the case could end up at trial
    2. As a private matter that never reaches court
    3. As a quick job where notes are optional
    4. As if only the client will read the results

  13. For B.C. licensing, which summary conviction offences count as a 'crime'?

    1. Criminal Code, drug act and youth act offences
    2. Only those that carry a prison sentence
    3. Only offences committed while working
    4. Any offence under any provincial statute, including traffic tickets

Courts, burden of proof and testifying: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Canadian court system (general Canadian law)

  • Canada's courts include the Supreme Court of Canada at the top, provincial courts of appeal, provincial superior courts, provincial courts, and the Federal Court system and Tax Court; administrative boards and tribunals also decide cases.
  • Criminal trial: the Crown must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Civil case: the plaintiff must prove the claim on the balance of probabilities, a lower standard.
  • Investigators should conduct every investigation as if it could go to trial.

Small claims (updated August 12, 2026)

  • The Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) has resolved most small claims up to $5,000 since June 1, 2017.
  • The Provincial Court's Small Claims Court hears cases worth up to $35,000, with less formal rules than the Supreme Court.

Privacy Act, RSBC 1996 c. 373, s. 4

  • An action under the Privacy Act must be heard and decided by the B.C. Supreme Court.

gov.bc.ca witness pages (2026)

  • A subpoena is a court order to attend; a witness who does not appear may be arrested; refusing to answer can lead to contempt.
  • Written statements become evidence only through oral testimony under oath or affirmation; lying in court is perjury.
  • Witnesses are excluded from the trial until they have testified; the side that called the witness questions first (direct examination), then cross-examination.
  • If a lawyer objects, wait for the judge's ruling.

"Crime"

  • For licensing, "crime" means an indictable federal offence, plus summary offences under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

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