More Nova Scotians Eligible to Serve as Jurors

Justice Minister Jim Smith has put forward legislation that will allow more Nova Scotians to sit as jurors. The Juries Act is designed to provide a fairer approach to jury selection.

"Our juries must be reflective of our communities," said Dr. Smith. "These amendments are a recognition of our changing communities."

In June 1994, the Nova Scotia Law Reform Commission issued a report recommending that juries be as representative as possible. According to the commission, the fairest approach to jury selection is random selection, the removal of systemic barriers, fair administrative discretion and broader representation.

Potential jurors are currently selected from the province's list of voters. The proposed amendments will create a wider database that includes more of the population.

More Nova Scotians will be eligible to serve with the removal of automatic disqualifications for such people as Canadian Forces personnel, doctors, dentists and clergy. The legislation also replaces jury committees with jury co-ordinators who will randomly select the names for a jury panel, summon the potential jurors and remove those who are disqualified.

The jury coordinator or Judge may excuse people on the basis of hardship or illness, or may excuse or deter people to a later panel on the basis of inconvenience. The objective is to remove any administrative discretion that could be used unfairly.

New disqualifications have been introduced for employees of the Department of Justice and the Public Prosecution Service, court officials, and anyone with a Bachelor of Laws degree.

"I want to thank the Law Reform Commission for their recommendations," said Dr. Smith. "In making juries more representative, we take another step in ensuring fairness in our justice system."