There are many people involved in a court case.
  • Victim - has suffered mental or physical harm or economic loss as a result of a crime.

 

  • Witness(s) - testifies in court because they have some information about the case. The victim may also be a witness.

 

  • Accused - is accused of committing a crime. If the accused is found guilty of committing a crime they are referred to as an offender.

 

  • Judge - official in charge of the court proceedings. The judge will review all evidence and determine whether the accused person is guilty or not guilty of committing a crime. The judge will also sentence the accused if they are found guilty.

 

  • Jury - a group of citizens selected to review all evidence and decide whether a person accused of committing a crime is guilty or not guilty. Most criminal cases do not have juries and are decided by judge alone. The jurors’ job is to form an opinion based on facts presented at trial and explanations about the law given by the judge. The jury’s decision is called the verdict and must be unanimous.

 

  • Crown counsel - acts on behalf of all members of the public. They are also known as prosecutors. It is their job to present the Crown’s case against the accused. They do not represent the victim, but represent the public and society.

 

  • Defence counsel - is the lawyer(s) representing and defending the accused person.

 

  • Deputy Sheriff(s) - is responsible for courtroom security and the safety of everyone in the courtroom. If the accused or offender is being held in jail, the deputy sheriff brings them from the jail to the courtroom.

 

  • Court Clerk – supports the judge. The court clerk’s responsibilities include recording court proceedings, marking and recording the list of exhibits and swearing in witnesses.

 

  • Court Interpreter - translates the proceedings into another language for a victim, witness or accused that does not speak or understand English.

 

  • Victim Service Worker - attends court with the victim to support them.

 

  • Court Support Workers - may attend court to support a victim, witness or accused.

A trial is a serious and formal event. Dressing appropriately, following the rules set down by the judge  and speaking respectfully shows respect for the court process.  

If you have any questions or want more information about court conduct, do not hesitate to ask the judge , Crown counsel  or defense counsel . You can also ask court support workers, the sheriff  or at the information desk.

Appearance

Dressing appropriately for court shows respect for the judge  and the process. Dress as if you were going to an important job interview. Wear comfortable clothes, because you may be in court for several hours. Keep your hands out of your pockets and do not chew gum. 

Courtroom Customs and Rules

It is important to speak to others in the courtroom in a respectful way. For example, use formal titles such as Your Honor for the judge  and Mr., Ms., Miss or Mrs. (with their last name) for other adults. These titles are also appropriate for the Crown counsel . You may also say Mr. or Madam Crown counsel.

You are required to stand when the judge enters the courtroom and sit when you are told to. Speak calmly and clearly and stand when you speak to the judge or when he speaks to you. Also, to show respect, do not make faces when you do not like something that was said. Never argue with the judge or you may be found in contempt of court.

Be on time for the court hearing and do not leave the courtroom until your case is called.

Compensation for Missing Work Due to Jury Duty

 

Jurors are paid a fee for each day they sit on a trial.  Jury fees are paid to jurors at the conclusion of the trial.

 

Daily fees:

  • First 5 days: $100 a day
  • 6 days or more: $150 a day

 

Fees and reimbursements are not provided for any days that a juror is absent – in fact, they may be fined for not attending.

 

Under the Labor Standards Act, an employer is not obligated to pay you for lost wages incurred during jury duty. However, some employers choose to continue to pay their employees’ full wages during this period.  Contact your employer for more information on their policies.

 

Meals: During the trial, tea and coffee are provided. Jurors are responsible for all meals, except when the jury is sequestered (this is when a jury is kept in a private location while deciding on a verdict). In those situations, meals and accommodation will be provided as needed.

 

Francophone accused persons have the right to be tried by a judge  and jury who speak French. French-speaking jury trials are very rare in Nunavut.

It’s important to ensure the French-speaking juror list is updated, so that French-language jury trials can be provided when directed by the Court.

French-speaking persons can request that their name is entered in the database used for summoning individuals for French-speaking trials. The information you provide will be kept confidential.

If you have been selected to participate  on a jury, this section will provide you with information on what to expect when you arrive for the trial.

You need to bring your jury summons and picture ID with you. On arrival on the first day of the trial, you will be directed to an assigned area or room.  The sheriff and judge will provide you with further details about your role and responsibilities.

It’s best to make a plan before you depart for the courthouse – consider things like:

  • How much time it will take to get ready and travel to the courthouse
  • What transportation to use to get there
  • If necessary, what parking is available

Court is a very formal environment and there are some rules and protocols that can be helpful to know before arriving.

  • Learn about courtroom conduct 

Instructions for Jurors

Before the trial begins, the judge will give instructions about duties as a juror, including information like:

  • What happens during a trial
  • When and for how long jurors need to be in the courtroom

You do not need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury. The judge will explain legal terms and the law that you, as a juror, will consider on the matter, as well as other things you will need to know during the trial.

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