View source for Jury Questions

{{fr|Questions_du_jury}}
{{Currency2|January|2020}}
{{HeaderJuries}}

==General Principles==
{{seealso|Jury Deliberations}}
During the deliberations of a jury, they are permitted to submit questions to the court and counsel. 
Jury questions indicate some of the problems the jurors are having in deliberating and seek help from the trial judge.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|MT|fs52f|2012 ONCA 511 (CanLII)|289 CCC (3d) 115}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} (3:0){{AtL|fs52f|114}} (questions "indicate that that at least some jurors are having a problem with an issue in the case.")<br>
{{CanLIIRP|W(D)|1fsm9|1991 CanLII 93 (SCC)|[1991] 1 SCR 742}}{{perSCC|Cory J}} (3:2){{Atps|759-760}}<br> 
{{CanLIIRP|WDS|1frq0|1994 CanLII 76 (SCC)|[1994] 3 SCR 521}}{{perSCC|Cory J}} (5:2){{atps|528-529}}{{atsL|1frq0|14| to 18}}<br>
</ref>

; Procedure in Considering Questions
When a judge receives a question from the jury, they should:<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Dunbar and Logan|gb3gd|1982 CanLII 3324 (ON CA)|68 CCC (2d) 13}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}{{atL|gb3gd|34}}
</ref>
# read the communication in open court in the presence of all parties;
# give counsel an opportunity to make submissions in open court prior to dealing with the question;
# answer the question for the jury in open court in the presence of all parties.

; Importance of Answers
Answers to questions carry "an influence far exceeding instructions given."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Grandine|h5zqf|2017 ONCA 718 (CanLII)|355 CCC (3d) 120}}{{perONCA|Brown JA}} (3:0){{atL|h5zqf|62}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Naglik|1fs0h|1993 CanLII 64 (SCC)|[1993] 3 SCR 122}}{{Plurality}}{{atp|139}}<br>
{{supra1|WDS}}{{atL|1frq0|16}}<br>
</ref>

; Unclear Question
Where a jury question is unclear, the judge should seek clarification before attempting to provide an answer.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Shannon|fltfr|2011 BCCA 270 (CanLII)|273 CCC (3d) 80}}{{perBCCA|Finch JA}} (3:0)</ref>

; Requirements of Answer
Jury questions must be answered "clearly, correctly and comprehensively."<ref>
{{supra1|W(D)}}{{atps|759-760}}<br>
{{supra1|WDS}}{{atps|528, 530}} (SCR) - it is judge's obligation to answer "fully" and "properly" with the assistance of counsel<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Layton|24qq0|2009 SCC 36 (CanLII)|[2009] 2 SCR 540}}{{perSCC|Rothstein J}} (5:2){{atL|24qq0|20}}<br>
{{supra1|Grandine}}{{atL|h5zqf|62}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Stubbs|g01lb|2013 ONCA 514 (CanLII)|300 CCC (3d) 181}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} (3:0){{atL|g01lb|95}}<br>
</ref>

A proper answer should improve the jury’s “understanding of the particular aspects of the evidence that bear on their decision on each essential issue in the case.”<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|PJB|ftj2j|2012 ONCA 730 (CanLII)|97 CR (6th) 195}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|ftj2j|44}}<br>
</ref>

However, the response should be timely as well. Delay without instructions the jury to cease deliberations where the question reflects a misunderstanding is open to risk of corrupting the verdict.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ellis|fvkr6|2013 ONCA 9 (CanLII)|293 CCC (3d) 541}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} (3:0){{atL|fvkr6|42}}<br>
</ref>

In responding to a jury question, it is often advisable that the judge invite the jury to return with further questions if the response does not assist.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Layton|217bw|2008 MBCA 118 (CanLII)|238 CCC (3d) 70}}{{perMBCA|Hamilton JA}}
</ref> 

; Mode of Communication with Jury
A judge should not communicate with the jury by sending notes with unsolicited information without the input on counsel.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Edwards|1clsl|2002 CanLII 41587 (ON CA)|165 OAC 133}}{{TheCourtONCA}} (3:0)
</ref>

; Effects of Errors
Any errors in a response to a jury cannot be remedied simply by referring back to the correctness of original charge.<ref>
{{supra1|S(WD)}}{{atps|530 to 531}} (SCR)</ref>

; Improper Answers
An answer should never discourage further questions on any subject.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Layton|24qq0|2009 SCC 36 (CanLII)|[2009] 2 SCR 540}}{{perSCC|Rothstein J}} (5:2){{atL|24qq0|33}}</ref>

; Specific Problems
In answering a question regarding the [[Standard of Proof|standard of proof of "beyond a reasonable doubt"]], there is nothing per se wrong with simply reciting the standard anew.<ref>
{{ibid1|Layton}}{{atsL|24qq0|29|, {{atsL-np|24qq0|32|}}</ref>

It is an inadequate answer to respond "yes" to the jury question that I asked "do we consider all of the evidence for all charges?."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Melvin|gs0t1|2016 NSCA 52 (CanLII)|NSJ No 239}}{{perNSCA|Farrar JA}}{{atsL|gs0t1|52| to 53}}
</ref>

; Answer Need Not Conform to Theory of Parties
A question may find it necessary to "instruct the jury in a manner that does not accord with the theory advanced by either Crown or defence counsel."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ranger|5xwr|2003 CanLII 32900 (ON CA)|178 CCC (3d) 375}}{{perONCA|Charron JA}} (3:0){{atL|5xwr|135}}<br>
{{supra1|Grandine}}{{atL|h5zqf|63}}<br>
</ref>
This is permissible because the jury is not bound by the opposing theories of Crown and defence.<ref>
{{supra1|Grandine}}{{atL|h5zqf|63}}<br>
</ref> 
However, limitations exist on this flexibility for the purpose of preserving trial fairness.<ref>
{{supra1|Grandine}}{{atL|h5zqf|63}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Largie|2c14p|2010 ONCA 548 (CanLII)|258 CCC (3d) 297}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} (3:0){{atL|2c14p|161}}<br>
</ref>

; Speed of Constructing Answers
The parties should act carefully in providing answers. The trial judge should not rush parties to get it done quickly.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Cudjoe|2476q|2009 ONCA 543 (CanLII)|68 CR (6th) 86}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{AtL|2476q|134}} ("Jury trials, especially the composition of jury instructions, are challenging work for all concerned.  It makes little sense to sacrifice accuracy and completeness for immediacy of response.  Questions from jurors that arise late in the evening, especially after a full day or longer of deliberations, may be better answered the following morning when everyone returns to their task more refreshed:... .  Mistakes are as easily avoided as they are made.  There is little point in rushing to make them.  Stopwatch justice comes at too high a price. ")<Br>
{{CanLIIRP|Chahal|21xxs|2008 BCCA 529 (CanLII)|240 CCC (3d) 363}}{{perBCCA|Smith JA}}{{atL|21xxs|40}}<br>
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Replaying Trial Recordings==
; Requests to Replay Testimony
Jurors may ask to have parts of the evidence played back to them for the purpose of orefreshing their memory.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|A(J)|6j83|1996 CanLII 1201 (ON CA)|112 CCC (3d) 528}}{{perONCA-H|LaBrosse JA}}
{{CanLIIRP|Dorset|fp63q|1980 ABCA 246 (CanLII)|54 CCC (2d) 490}}{{perABCA-H|Harradence JA}}
</ref>

All replaying of the evidence must be done on the record and in the presence of the accused.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lalande|1f9np|1999 CanLII 2388 (ON CA)|138 CCC (3d) 441}}{{perONCA|Borins JA}}
</ref>

Where there is a request to replay portions of evidence, the replay must be done on the record so that an appellate court can determine whether the portions were given proper context.<ref>
{{ibid1|Lalande}} ("...measures must be taken to ensure that tape recorded testimony is replayed for a jury in open court, in the presence of the defendant, the trial judge and counsel, and that a proper record is made of what takes place throughout the playback proceedings.")
</ref>

; Replay Segments Only
The response to any request to replay the specific subjects of the evidence or the evidence as a whole should "include all the evidence of the witness on the subject or generally."<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|JB|j1dqp|2019 ONCA 591 (CanLII)|378 CCC (3d) 302}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}}{{atL|j1dqp|69}}
</ref>

When specific subject matters are requested for playback, it is necessary that all segments on the subject-matter on direct, cross-examination and re-direct should be played.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Olbey|1tx9f|1979 CanLII 61 (SCC)|[1980] 1 SCR 1008}}<br>
{{CanLIIRP|Bell, Christiansen, Coolen and MacDonald|htxrw|1973 CanLII 1555 (NSCA)|14 CCC (2d) 225}}{{perONCA|Cooper JA}}
</ref>
This should be done even if the jury just asks for the direct examination.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|D(D)|1v98n|1998 CanLII 14607 (ON CA)|129 CCC (3d) 506}}{{perONCA|Finlayson JA}}
</ref>

However, if the jury insists that they do not wish to have all the evidence on the area it may not be necessary.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hobart, Fogel and Doolin|g1bbg|1982 CanLII 1975 (ON CA)|65 CCC (2d) 518}}{{perONCA-H|Martin JA}}
</ref>

It is improper for the judge to insist that the jury listen to the entirety of the witness' evidence when they only wish to hear on it. <ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Callaghan (CA)|g191d|1991 CanLII 7234 (ON CA)|9 CR (4th) 264}}{{perONCA-H|Krever JA}}
</ref>

; Disclosing Transcripts
It is not inappropriate for the jury to be provided at their request with partial transcripts as they are available.<Ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lamirande|1dj62|2002 MBCA 41 (CanLII)|164 CCC (3d) 299}}{{perMBCA|Scott CJ}}
</ref>

; Reviewing Transcripts
It is essential that the jury be notified that of their right to have the testimony played back to them should they request a transcript but are notified that transcripts are not available.<Ref> 
{{CanLIIRP|Toms|1bv0t|2003 CanLII 31577 (ON CA)|174 CCC (3d) 87}}{{perONCA|Carthy JA}}{{AtL|1bv0t|6}}
</ref>

Where the jury receives transcripts of only parts of the evidence, they may need to be reminded that they must not lose sight that they must consider all the evidence, and not just the parts transcribed.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Hoang|5423|1999 BCCA 697 (CanLII)|140 CCC (3d) 226}}{{perBCCA|Ryan JA}}
</ref>

; Request for Copy of a Closing Address
The jury has a right to request the replay jury address.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Smith|gcr5q|1975 CanLII 1384 (BCCA)|25 CCC (2d) 270}}<br>
</ref>

Where the jury requests a copy of the Crown closing, there is no obligation to provide a copy of the Defence closing.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Ferguson|523p|2001 SCC 6 (CanLII)|[2001] 1 SCR 281}}{{perSCC-H|Major J}}
</ref>

{{reflist|2}}

==Failing to Answer Jury Questions==
Where a jury asks a question and then withdraws before it is answered by the judge will not render the verdict invalid. The judge need not answer the question for the jury.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Sit|gbmxf|1989 CanLII 7194 (ON CA)|47 CCC (3d) 45}}{{perONCA|Finlayson JA}} (2:1){{Atps|57-58}}<br>
see also {{CanLIIRP|Ellis|fvkr6|2013 ONCA 9 (CanLII)|293 CCC (3d) 541}}{{perONCA-H|Watt JA}} (3:0)</ref>
However, should the question reveal a legal misapprehension, the judge should give a correction instruction and give an opportunity to reconsider its verdict.<Ref>
{{ibid1|Ellis}}
</ref>

A jury may withdraw a question simply by announcing it is ready to give a verdict.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Lavoie|1vqtz|1990 CanLII 4038 (NB CA)|107 NBR (2d) 181}}{{perNBCA|Hoyt JA}} (3:0)</ref>

It may be recommended that once the jury is ready despite not having the question answered, that the court canvas both counsel and the jury about whether the question should still be answered.<ref>
{{CanLIIRP|Jones|fn197|2011 ONCA 584 (CanLII)|277 CCC (3d) 143}}{{perONCA|Laskin JA}} (3:0){{atsL|fn197|55|, 56}}</ref>

{{reflist|2}}