Prior Involvement in or Knowledge of Similar Offences

Note: Specimen jury instructions serve as a template that trial judges must adapt to the particular circumstances of each trial, not simply read out in whole. They are not designed to be delivered "as-is." More information about the use of specimen instructions is found in the Preface and A Note to Users, which you can find here.

1.5 Prior Involvement in or Knowledge of Similar Offences

Note[5]

(Last revised March 2011)

[1] The offence alleged is (specify charge).

[2] A person who has been accused of any offence of this nature, or been a victim of such an offence, or has otherwise been involved in a similar offence or experience might not be able to approach the case impartially — that is, with an open mind and without preconceived ideas.

[3] We do not wish to embarrass anyone by asking questions about personal matters. At the same time, we need to know if there is any personal matter that might make it too difficult for you to perform jury duty in this case. If this applies to you, please come forward.

[5] See R. v. Betker (1997), 115 C.C.C. (3d) 421, 443 (Ont. C.A.). See also R. v. Barrow, [1987] 2 S.C.R. 694.