SoVote
- New
- Search
- Home
- Citizenry
- Legislature
- About Us
- Our Values
- Contact Us
- Get the App
- Day Theme
Bill S-252
- At third reading in the Senate
- Read Bill |
- Government Page
- This bill, titled the "Jury Duty Appreciation Week Act," designates the second week of May in each year as "Jury Duty Appreciation Week." The purpose of this act is to recognize the importance of jury duty as a civic duty and a vital component of our justice system and democracy. It aims to promote the well-being and mental health of jurors and raise awareness about the issues involved in fulfilling this civic duty. In practical terms, it means that during the second week of May every year, there will be events and initiatives to appreciate and educate citizens, organizations, and the justice system about the work that jurors do.
- H1
- H2
- H3
- S1
- S2
- S3
- RA
- Yea (13)
- Nay (35)
SteelmanSpren in Favour
- One steelman argument in favor of this bill is that designating a week as "Jury Duty Appreciation Week" recognizes and acknowledges the important role that jurors play in our justice system. Jury duty is a civic duty that thousands of Canadians are called upon to perform every year, and it is a vital component of our democracy. By designating a specific week to appreciate jury duty, it brings attention to the work that jurors do and helps educate citizens, organizations, and the justice system about the issues involved in fulfilling this civic duty. This can ultimately lead to a greater understanding and appreciation for the justice system as a whole and the role that jurors play in it. Additionally, highlighting the importance of the well-being and mental health of jurors can ensure that they are properly supported and able to participate in the justice system effectively.
SteelmanSpren Against
- A potential steelman argument opposing this bill could be as follows: While recognizing the importance of jury duty and the need to appreciate the work of jurors, designating a specific week for Jury Duty Appreciation may not be the most effective way to achieve these goals. Here are some potential critiques: 1. Potential Insufficient Impact: Designating a week may not necessarily lead to meaningful appreciation or education about the role of jurors. It may be more effective to focus on improving the experience of jurors during their service, such as providing better compensation, support, and resources. 2. Distracting from Other Issues: By designating a specific week for jury duty appreciation, it may divert attention and resources away from other important justice system issues that require attention and reform. These may include addressing systemic biases, improving access to justice, or enhancing the effectiveness of the jury
Senate Debates
Senate Motion No. 638731
- Bill S-252
- Latest: Second reading in the Senate
Senate Debates
Senate Debates
Senate Committee
- Nineteenth Report
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has the honour to present its
NINETEENTH REPORT
Your committee, to which was referred Bill S-252, An Act respecting Jury Duty Appreciation Week, has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, June 1, 2023, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
RATNA OMIDVAR
Chair
Observations to the nineteenth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (Bill S-252)
Your committee has received testimony from numerous witnesses indicating a significant lack of diversity among jurors in Canada, particularly in regard to the representation of racialized, Black and Indigenous individuals. The committee, therefore, recommends that the Government of Canada, in collaboration with provincial, territorial and Indigenous authorities, explore measures aimed at improving the diversity of jurors.
Your committee heard shared experiences of vicarious trauma among jurors. Vicarious trauma is defined by Health Canada as “the experience of bearing witness to the atrocities committed against another. It is the result of absorbing the sight, smell, sound, touch and feel of the stories told in detail by victims searching for a way to release their own pain. Vicarious trauma is the energy that comes from being in the presence of trauma and it is how our bodies and psyche react to the profound despair, rage and pain.” Your committee shares concerns about the insufficient mental health supports provided before, during, and after jury duty. Your committee, therefore, urges the development of comprehensive, trauma-informed programs led by the federal government to support and safeguard the well-being of jurors before, during, and after jury duty.
Your committee heard that a significant number of Canadians experience financial barriers to serving as jurors due to potential lost wages as well as not being adequately compensated for travel, childcare and parking expenses in many jurisdictions. This financial impediment can lead to juries that may not be reflective of our diverse communities. The committee suggests that the Government of Canada explore the use of the Employment Insurance program to provide financial support for jurors while serving on a jury.
- Hear!
- Rabble!
Senate Debates
- June 1, 2023, 2 p.m.
- In Progress
- Read
Senate Debates
- Feb. 16, 2023, 2 p.m.
- Passed
Senate Debates