SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-206

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
October 18, 2022
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors)
  • This bill amends the Criminal Code to allow jurors to disclose information about jury proceedings to health care professionals in certain situations. Currently, jurors are prohibited from disclosing such information. However, this bill creates an exception where jurors can share information with health care professionals for medical or psychiatric treatment or counseling related to their service as a juror. The health care professional must be legally authorized to provide these services in their respective province. This bill received royal assent on October 18, 2022 and will come into force 90 days after that.
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • S1
  • S2
  • S3
  • RA
  • Yea (334)
  • Nay
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of this amendment could be as follows: The amendment allowing jurors to disclose information to health care professionals in certain circumstances is necessary to protect the mental and emotional well-being of jurors. Serving on a jury can be a highly stressful experience, especially in cases involving traumatic or disturbing evidence. Jurors may be exposed to graphic details, witness emotional testimonies, or have to make difficult decisions about the fate of individuals. All of these factors can have a significant impact on the mental health of jurors. By allowing jurors to disclose information to health care professionals, they can receive the necessary support and treatment to address any mental health issues that may arise from their jury service. Mental health care is essential for individuals who have experienced trauma or stress, and jurors should have access to these services as well. It is import

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Opposing Argument: The amendment to the Criminal Code allowing jurors to disclose information to health care professionals undermines the sanctity and integrity of jury proceedings. Jurors are entrusted with the responsibility of impartially considering the evidence presented in court and rendering a fair verdict. Allowing jurors to disclose information outside the courtroom, even to health care professionals, creates potential for bias, tampering, and compromise of the judicial process. Confidentiality in jury deliberations is crucial to ensure the free exchange of ideas, thorough consideration of evidence, and protection of juror privacy. By allowing jurors to disclose information, it opens the door for external influences to shape their opinions and potentially compromise the integrity of the trial. The secrecy and confidentiality of jury deliberations are designed to ensure that jurors are free to express their thoughts and opinio
Senate Third Reading
  • Oct. 18, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • Passed
Royal Assent
  • Oct. 18, 2022, 2 p.m.
  • Read
House Third Reading
  • Sept. 28, 2022, 3:20 p.m.
  • Passed

House Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 02, 2022
Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST)
Re. Bill S-206, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors)
  • Report 3 presented to the House
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border

House Motion No. 97

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 18, 2022, 3:30 p.m.
2nd reading of Bill S-206, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (disclosure of information by jurors)
House Second Reading
  • May 18, 2022, 3:30 p.m.
  • Passed
House First Reading
  • Dec. 14, 2021, 10:16 a.m.
  • Passed
Senate Second Reading
  • Dec. 8, 2021, 3:05 p.m.
  • Passed