The Jury's Out With Lindsay Charles And Brandon Pedersen

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. We are in the midst of a third wave of the pandemic in Ontario. Vaccine rollout programs will hopefully help combat the spread of the virus and allow for a gradual return to normalcy.

Along with the rest of society, court systems have been disrupted as a result of ongoing measures to prevent the spread of the virus. While the courts have adapted as best as possible by limiting in-person attendances and transitioning to primarily virtual hearings, civil jury trials have taken a backseat.

Holding a civil jury trial with capacity restrictions is not possible. Jury selection and the trial itself require in-person attendance of many people. Ontario courts have continually suspended civil jury trials throughout the pandemic to ensure the safety of the public.