The trial of former NFL star Aaron Hernandez was interrupted after a user of an online forum published details of the case. Certain responsibilities – such as juror discretion – are integral to the administration of justice. This post explores how juries are selected and expected to act.
Justice Category Archives
Troubling Trends in LAT Costs Awards
In recent companion decisions MMS and Wawanesa and BF and Wawanesa, the LAT finally awarded costs. The fact that it took over 40 decisions for costs to be awarded is troubling.
Was it something I said? Non-verbal cues in court
In the world of litigation, words matter. Written submissions, statements, admissions , and contradictions all shine a light on the ultimate goal—getting to the truth. However, one important and rarely-emphasized area of focus in litigation is non-verbal communication. Whether we are talking about juries, lawyers, litigants or judges, one common factor at play is the human condition to subconsciously send and receive non-verbal messages. Impressions and …
9 Months of LAT: Statistical Analysis of Decisions to Date
Starting April 1, 2016, the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) took over hearing Statutory Accident Benefits disputes. The first LAT decision was released online in July 2016. With the LAT just turning 9 months old, this post will examine the LAT decisions published online to date (as of January 12, 2017).
Ontario to Provide Counselling Compensation for Traumatized Jurors
A jury summons is a civil responsibility, not a voluntary invitation, and can expose jurors to disturbing details of a case. To help jurors cope with traumatic experiences in Ontario courts, the province is launching a program that will provide counselling services to jurors.
Why Making Defendants Pay Serves Justice
This past week, the Ontario Liberal government publicly indicated that the government isn’t planning on changing the province’s law on joint and several liability. This is welcome decision for the rule of law in Ontario. Joint and several liability has been part of the common-law legal system for centuries. Joint and several liability means that if there are more than one defendant and both are …
