In Defence of Juries
In past Bonn Law Blawgs I’ve fully agreed with Toronto Sun Columnist, Alan Shanoff. I cannot support his most recent column from July 5, 2014 in which he writes that it is time to end civil jury trials. While I agree with many of his points, the jury is fundamental to our system of law. In Ontario a civil jury is made up of 6 individuals from the community (not 12 that is reserved for criminal cases only). At the most basic level, a jury is protection for everyone from state power. Judges are appointed by government officials.