Individuals who are not Canadian citizens. Those under the age of 19. Police officers, lawyers or employees of certain government agencies. Those currently charged with an offence under the Criminal Code or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada)
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Canada?
The Jury Act provides examples of potential grounds for exemption such as: over age 65, hardship, religion, and language barriers. However, individuals may request an exemption for any number of reasons.
Who is disqualified from sitting on a jury?
When you are summoned for jury service, you will be asked to complete a summons form and this lists the types of convictions that have to be declared before you can serve on a jury. You will have to say if you have ever been sentenced to life imprisonment, or to imprisonment or youth custody for five years or more.
What the requirements to be eligible to sit on a jury in Canada?
Any adult Canadian citizen can be considered for jury duty. Being called for jury duty does not mean a person will be selected to serve as a juror but he or she must show up for the selection process. Some people may not be required to do jury duty by the laws of their province.
How can I get excused from jury duty in Canada?
Fill out the Application To Be Excused section of your summons. Mail or drop off the Office Copy to the Jury Management Office on the summons. Keep the Prospective Juror copy. If you haven’t been notified that you’re excused – before the court date on your juror summons – call the Jury Management Office.
What is the best excuse for jury duty?
Requesting an Excuse
- Prior Jury Service. This excuse is for those people who have actually heard testimony.
- Physical or Mental Disability. You must fully explain your situation on the questionnaire.
- Child Care / Care of a Dependent.
- Language.
- Distance.
- Financial / Business / Employment Hardship.
How much do jurors get paid in Canada?
First 10 days: $20 a day. 11 to 49 days: $60 a day. 50 days or more: $100 a day.
How are you picked for jury duty?
Jurors are chosen randomly from the electoral register. As a juror, you will be part of a jury of 12 people to decide the outcome of a criminal trial. You will be informed that you have been selected by receiving a jury summons, which is sent to potential jurors via post.
Can you reject being a jury?
Avoiding it, however, is ill advised: you cannot simply refuse and it is a criminal offence to not answer a jury summons without reasonable cause. You may, however, be able to defer (or possibly be excused) if you’ve served in the last two years or have a good reason.
How can you avoid jury service?
If you’ve been to prison within the last 10 years, you’re exempt from being called to serve on a jury. You can also be excused if you suffer/have suffered from a serious mental illness.
Who Cannot serve on a jury in Ontario?
In Ontario, a potential juror must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and a resident of Ontario.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Ontario?
An individual may not be able to serve as a juror if they are sick, have booked travel, have other hardships, are in the middle of a move, employment reasons or work in certain professions such as being a lawyer, police officer or firefighter.
What is the oldest age for jury duty?
Excuses from Jury Service
Such groups may include persons over age 70; persons who have, within the past two years, served on a federal jury; and persons who serve as volunteer fire fighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew.
Does everyone have to do jury duty Canada?
It is the civic duty of all Ontario residents who are Canadian citizens 18 years of age and older to serve as a juror if selected. Going to court has changed. Learn more about the health and safety protocols.
What happens when you miss jury duty?
Under no circumstances simply don’t turn up for your jury service as this will cause the court delays. You could face a fine or even more serious charges if you fail to tell the court you will not be able to attend. The courts understand that jury service can be stressful, so talk to them as they can help you.
What happens if you miss jury duty in Canada?
Failure to attend may result in you having to attend a hearing and you may be fined up to $200. A Sheriff’s Officer or Bailiff will deliver these, and they may be given to you in person or left with anyone at your home over the age of 16.
Do I get paid for jury duty?
While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving 10 days on a trial. (Employees of the federal government are paid their regular salary in lieu of this fee.) Jurors also are reimbursed for reasonable transportation expenses and parking fees.
How long is jury duty?
Most jury trials last 3 – 7 days, but some may go longer. The trial judge will advise you of the length of the trial. If you are assigned to a case, you will be required to serve until the trial is completed. Generally, if you are not selected for a trial, your jury service will be completed in one day.
Can jurors ask questions in Canada?
While it is common practice to allow the jury to pose written questions to the judge during its deliberations, it is not as common to allow questions during the course of testimony.
Can an employer refuse time off for jury service?
Under the Juries Act 1974, employers cannot legally refuse to allow an employee time off work when they are summoned. However, as we mentioned above, you can ask them to move their jury service – but only if their absence from work would seriously impact your business.
Can jurors talk about the case after Canada?
In Canada, jurors are prohibited by law from making any public comment about their deliberations or reasons for a verdict.