Judgment has been reserved on an appeal challenging the constitutionality of court hearing fees.
Three days worth of arguments have now wrapped up in BC’s highest court.
One of the groups challenging the validity of fees involving family law is West Coast Leaf.
“They have a discriminatory impact on women and because they impact women’s security of the person and liberty rights.”
Executive Director Kasari Govender says women are also less likely to be able to afford these fees.
“The bigger obstacle for them accessing justice. With our system the way it is right now, women –and all litigants– but in particular, women, face huge obstacles to accessing justice.”
She says some women are paying nearly four thousand dollar for a ten-day hearing.
About The Reporter
