Juries Act Comes Into Force

The way juries are selected in the province is changing.

Names of potential jury members will now be drawn from the health registration list, jurors will now be paid at a more realistic rate and the boundaries from which jury members can be drawn have been amended. The process to excuse those who are unable to serve is also being improved.

"Jury service is one of the most important elements of our criminal justice system," said Justice Minister Michael Baker.
"These changes streamline and improve the process, and are in keeping with our commitment to an improved and fair justice system."

With the proclamation of the Juries Act, the changes take effect today. In drawing the names from the health registration list, more accurate and up-to-date information will be made available to the Department of Justice. The list will also be more representative of the overall population. Only names and addresses will be provided and the information will be kept strictly confidential. Names were previously drawn from the provincial voters list.

The fees provided to those who must serve are being increased from $15 per day to $40. Jurors will also receive 20 cents per kilometre for travel to and from court. Previously, milage was provided for one way travel only. Fees will no longer be provided for those who must attend for jury selection, though milage will be provided to those who must travel more than 100 kilometres for the jury selection process. This change brings Nova Scotia in line with every other jurisdiction in the country.

Those who are unable to serve no longer have to appear for jury selection. They may be excused if the appropriate form is completed and returned to the jury co-ordinator. The co-ordinator may then excuse them or defer them to a later panel. If the co- ordinator does not approve the request, it is automatically reviewed by a judge.

There are also fewer automatic exemptions, which provides for a larger jury pool from which to draw. Medical professionals and clergy persons are no longer automatically exempt. The realigned jury districts also provide for more appropriate boundaries and in some cases will reduce travel time for potential jurors.

The regulations taking effect today were recommended by a committee consisting of members of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, the Supreme Court judiciary, the Public Prosecution Service and departmental staff.