Jurors

Judge Rules Jurors Won’t See Teen’s Car in Trial of Former Officer Accused of Shooting

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San Antonio, Texas — A judicial ruling in Bexar County has concluded that jurors in an upcoming trial will not view the vehicle involved when a local police officer shot a teenager last year. Instead, the judge has decided that body-worn camera footage provides sufficient evidence for the case. This trial pertains to James Brennand, a former San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officer, who faces charges of aggravated assault by a public servant following an incident in 2022 involving 17-year-old Erik Cantu. The episode has prompted widespread scrutiny of the events leading up to the … Read more

Landmark Study Seeks to Understand and Mitigate Trauma Experienced by Jurors in Child Abuse Trials

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Southampton, England – The psychological toll on jurors in child sexual abuse cases is coming under new scrutiny as a doctoral study at the University of Southampton seeks to explore the traumatic impact of their courtroom experiences. Jurors are frequently exposed to distressing testimony and evidence, which previous studies have indicated can lead to symptoms such as nightmares and intrusive thoughts. Stephen Hanvey, who is pursuing his PhD and has prior experience in court victim support services, is spearheading this initiative. His goal is to gather detailed insights from jurors to develop methods that minimize … Read more

Trial Under Scrutiny: No Black Jurors for Black Defendant in Ottawa Raises Concerns of Systemic Bias

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Ottawa, Canada — A recent criminal trial has intensified scrutiny over racial fairness in the Canadian justice system, highlighting profound concerns about the composition of juries in cases involving racialized defendants. At the center of this judicial controversy is Honor Charley, a young Black man found guilty of second-degree murder, who faced a jury without any Black members—a detail that has ignited a fierce debate over systemic biases. Charley stood trial for the death of a white individual and the alleged attempted murder of another. The defense argued that Charley was not criminally responsible due … Read more

Shake-Up in Giller Prize Panel: Two Jurors Exit Ahead of Major Sponsorship Change

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Toronto, Canada – Innovations and changes are afoot in Canada’s literary landscape as the Giller Prize, one of the nation’s most prestigious literary awards, faces significant shifts. This year, the prize has seen the unexpected withdrawal of two jurors just weeks ahead of the announcement that Scotiabank, the longtime sponsor, would end its partnership following this year’s award ceremony. The Giller Prize, established in 1994 by businessman Jack Rabinovitch in memory of his late wife, literary journalist Doris Giller, has long been a celebrated cornerstone of Canadian literature. Awarded annually, the prize honors the best … Read more