Canada NewsWire
OTTAWA, ON, July 2, 2020
OTTAWA, ON, July 2, 2020 /CNW/ - Holding criminal jury trials is one of greatest challenges facing our criminal courts as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. On June 19, the Action Committee on Court Operations in Response to COVID-19 held its fourth virtual meeting, focusing on this very issue and approving guidance documents.
Today, the Action Committee is releasing approved national-level guidance documents on all phases of the jury trial process. The goal is to support immediate planning for the resumption of criminal jury trials. The documents include tip sheets on:
To accompany the specific tip sheets, the Action Committee is also publishing an overview of the criminal jury process.
As emphasized in today's Message from the Action Committee, it is critical that all those who come to Canada's courts have confidence that appropriate measures are being taken to protect their health and safety. The jury-related guidance documents released today were developed with input from senior federal and provincial officials, and with public health and occupational health and safety experts with this key objective in mind. This guidance will inform the planning and concerted efforts of chief justices, judges, and courts administrators across the country to restore in-courthouse operations.
Quotes
"The impact of the pandemic is unprecedented, and the challenge is particularly acute in the context of criminal jury trials. We have a duty to ensure that all courts can continue to deliver justice to Canadians. Today's guidance is a step in the right direction."
The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada and Chairperson, Canadian Judicial Council
"I am pleased with the progress of the Action Committee, including its positive collaboration with health and safety, judicial, and governmental stakeholders to develop this guidance on the recommencement of jury trials. Judges and courts administrators alike are grappling with this difficult issue and searching for resolutions that will allow for this fundamental aspect of criminal justice to go forward in ways that are grounded in current public health advice."
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Quick Facts
Associated Links
SOURCE Department of Justice Canada
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/July2020/02/c8453.html