A comprehensive document of recommendations was submitted to the BC Government, in the latter part of 2011, with the aim of improving and protecting the use of civil juries to achieve justice. The file pertains to the processes of empanelling and presenting evidence to an eight-person civil jury. It also seeks to ensure the use of civil juries is respected. At present, the civil jury remains an important feature within BC’s system of justice. However, there are opponents to the jury system, forces seeking to make civil juries unimportant. Some would prefer to dismantle the jury system entirely. This would not only be a mistake, but also an attack on democracy.
The document was drafted by volunteers within the Trial Lawyers Association of BC (TLABC). The organization has a membership base of 1400 legal professionals located throughout the province. Civil justice involves many aspects of law, and the trial lawyers of today practice in a diverse range of areas. A common characteristic of TLABC members is that they represent people rather than corporations, governments or other powerful entities. This is paramount in importance to individuals requiring legal assistance with employment issues, immigration matters, personal injury litigation, wills and estates.
Detailed work in defence of the civil jury remains an ongoing effort…