Lethbridge courthouse. (Lethbridge News Now)

By The Canadian Press

Jury trials temporarily suspended in Alberta

Mar 13, 2020 | 3:16 PM

CALGARY, AB – Alberta is joining several other provinces in suspending jury trials because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Calgary’s Chief Crown prosecutor Sue Kendall has sent an email to prosecutors saying the suspensions of jury trials will last until May 31st.

The email says the trials can either be adjourned or the defence will be given the option of switching to judge-alone trials to allow proceedings to continue.

“The fewer people coming into the courthouse and the fewer people required to sit in close proximity to each other day after day, is an absolutely necessary thing right now given that hand washing and social distancing are the two most important preventative measures that we can all take as individuals,” says Calgary Defence Lawyers Association President Ian Savage.

Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice has suspended upcoming jury trials until further notice while Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have suspended upcoming jury proceedings for six weeks as a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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(CBC Calgary, The Canadian Press)