NCJ Number
96476
Date Published
1982
Length
91 pages
Annotation
Recommendations are made to Parliament regarding jury trials in Canada.
Abstract
Areas are identified where changes in the law are needed with respect to jury trials, where uniformity in the conduct of jury trials should be achieved throughout the country, and where present practices should be codified. The recommendations have been prepared so that they can be incorporated into the present structure of the Criminal Code. Legislative recommendations include proposed new provisions and the repeal and change of old provisions. Commentary is provided to explain proposed legislation, which covers definitions of terms, provisions on selecting the jury, procedures during the trial, jury deliberations, and verdicts. Recommendations also cover administrative actions to assist the jury in understanding and carrying out its functions. These recommendations cover jury orientation, jury notetaking, jury instruction guidelines, and instructions to the jury about unanimity.