Can I appeal simply because I disagree with the outcome?

No. An appeal requires an identifiable error of law or a palpable and overriding error of fact. Dissatisfaction with the result is not a ground, and the court does not rehear evidence.

Do I need permission to appeal?

It depends on the type of case and the amount involved. Some appeals proceed as of right; others require leave. Getting this wrong wastes the appeal period, so confirm early.

How long do I have to appeal?

Appeal deadlines are short and strictly enforced, and they run from the judgment. Treat the judgment date as the start of a clock and get advice immediately.

Can I represent myself on appeal?

You may, but appellate procedure is technical and unforgiving on form and deadlines. Self-represented appeals are frequently dismissed on procedural grounds rather than merits.

Cour d'appel du Québec — Quebec Court of Appeal: Appeals & Procedure

Cour d'appel du Québec

Quebec Court of Appeal

The Cour d'appel du Québec is the province's highest court and hears appeals from the Cour supérieure and the Cour du Québec. It reviews whether the lower court made an error of law or a palpable and overriding error of fact — it does not retry the case or hear new evidence. Deadlines to appeal are short and strictly applied.

What it does

Hears appeals from the Cour supérieure and, in defined cases, the Cour du Québec
Reviews errors of law and palpable, overriding errors of fact
Decides applications for leave to appeal where leave is required
Answers reference questions and hears certain statutory appeals

Matters it hears

Civil appeals above the statutory threshold
Criminal appeals from conviction or sentence
Family law appeals
Administrative and judicial review appeals
Appeals in bankruptcy and commercial matters

Appeals & review

Further appeal is to the Supreme Court of Canada, generally only with leave, which is granted in a small minority of applications.

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I appeal simply because I disagree with the outcome?: No. An appeal requires an identifiable error of law or a palpable and overriding error of fact. Dissatisfaction with the result is not a ground, and the court does not rehear evidence.
Do I need permission to appeal?: It depends on the type of case and the amount involved. Some appeals proceed as of right; others require leave. Getting this wrong wastes the appeal period, so confirm early.
How long do I have to appeal?: Appeal deadlines are short and strictly enforced, and they run from the judgment. Treat the judgment date as the start of a clock and get advice immediately.
Can I represent myself on appeal?: You may, but appellate procedure is technical and unforgiving on form and deadlines. Self-represented appeals are frequently dismissed on procedural grounds rather than merits.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Cour d'appel du Québec. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.