1. Introduction
2. The need to understand signed documents
The plea of non est factum
Cases where plea successful
Duty of signer to ask questions
Situation in Quebec
Problems, comments, and observations
3. Literacy and informed consent
The principle of informed consent
Cases involving informed consent and literacy and/or
language barriers
Problems, comments, and observations
4. Literacy and immigration law
5. Literacy and criminal law—understanding one’s rights in the standard police charge
General principles
R. v. Evans
Problems, comments, and observations
6. Literacy and accessibility of justice
Access and right to legal aid
Situation in Quebec
Family law—child protection proceedings
7. Unrepresented clients and clients with low literacy skills
Role of judges and tribunal members in assisting unrepresented parties
Civil cases
Small Claims Court
Administrative tribunals
Situation in Quebec
Assistance in presenting Charter arguments
Problems, comments, and observations