Jury trials are set to resume next week in several Ontario cities
Posted November 5, 2020 2:59 pm.
Last Updated November 5, 2020 3:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Jury trials are set to resume in several Ontario cities next week.
The Superior Court of Justice says selection of jurors and jury hearings will start Nov. 9 in Ottawa.
The same will happen a week later in Toronto, Brampton and Newmarket.
The chief justice of the court cites Ontario’s new COVID-19 rules in the affected areas.
Some capacity and social distancing limits will stay in effect.
“I recognize that some counsel, parties and justice participants may be uncomfortable attending a courthouse during this time,” writes Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz.
“In view of the public health situation in these four centres, the Court must respond with great flexibility. I have encouraged all judicial officers, when exercising their authority, to be flexible and to respect the various reasons why an individual may not be comfortable attending a courthouse in person. The feasibility of a virtual hearing or alternate arrangements is to be explored, when requested.”
“We must continue to do what we can to move matters forward while supporting public health efforts.”
Jury selection for trials in those three cities was suspended back on October 10 after the province’s decision to return to a modified Stage 2.
At the time, jury trials and jury selection has only resumed in September after being put on hold for six months due to the pandemic.
