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ARTICLE · 18 APRIL 2024

Affidavit Evidence 101

Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer
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When picturing legal proceedings, many people envision dramatic courtroom trials with witnesses taking the stand. However, in Alberta, civil trials (unlike criminal trials) are rare.

CanadaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Taylor Thiesen
Taylor Thiesen

When picturing legal proceedings, many people envision dramatic courtroom trials with witnesses taking the stand. However, in Alberta, civil trials (unlike criminal trials) are rare. Instead, the bulk of decisions on civil matters occur in a type of court proceeding known as "chambers".

Chambers vs. Trial: Understanding the Difference

One key difference between chambers and trial is the type of evidence that can be heard and considered by the court. During a trial, witnesses provide live testimony on the stand. In contrast, chambers proceedings rely on written affidavits. For this reason, affidavit evidence forms an essential part of the case for most litigants in civil proceedings.

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