Juries are a vital part of Canada's justice system. While the exact origin of the jury, is difficult to trace, it is commonly believed that most early societies possessed some sort of adjudicative structure similar in form and purpose to that which serves our system today. The jury continues to be an important part of our justice system, due to their representative nature and their role as the conscience of the community.

Serving on a jury is the most important role that citizens can play in the administration of justice in Canada, and it is the duty of citizens to serve as jurors from time to time. Most people chosen as jurors find jury duty a valuable experience, one that gives them a chance to play a direct part in the administration of justice in their community. Once selected, jurors approach their task with diligence, care, and attention.

In criminal cases the jury decides whether the prosecutor has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the accused is guilty. All the jurors must agree on the decision or verdict – their decision must be unanimous. If they cannot all agree, the judge may discharge the jury and direct a new jury to be chosen for a new trial.

In civil cases, the jury must decide whether the plaintiff has proven that the defendant is liable, or responsible, on a balance of probabilities. There are only six jurors in a civil case, and the decision does not have to be unanimous as long as five of them agree on the verdict.

In both cases, a jury’s responsibility is to ensure that the verdict reached is based on a collective and unbiased assessment of evidence presented during the trial.

Find information that can help you understand what is expected once you are summonsed for jury duty.