Criminal Code

Marginal note:Names of jurors on cards

• 631 (1) The name of each juror on a panel of jurors that has been returned, his number on the panel and his address shall be written on a separate card, and all the cards shall, as far as possible, be of equal size.

• Marginal note:To be placed in box

  (2) The sheriff or other officer who returns the panel shall deliver the cards referred to in subsection (1) to the clerk of the court who shall cause them to be placed together in a box to be provided for the purpose and to be thoroughly shaken together.

• Marginal note:Alternate jurors

  (2.1) If the judge considers it advisable in the interests of justice to have one or two alternate jurors, the judge shall so order before the clerk of the court draws out the cards under subsection (3) or (3.1).

• Marginal note:To be drawn by clerk of court

  (3) The clerk of the court shall, in open court, draw out the cards referred to in subsection (1), one after another, and shall call out the name and number on each card as it is drawn, until the number of persons who have answered is, in the opinion of the judge, sufficient to provide a full jury and any alternate jurors ordered by the judge after allowing for orders to excuse, challenges and directions to stand by where

  • (a) the array of jurors is not challenged; or

  • (b) the array of jurors is challenged but the judge does not direct a new panel to be returned.

• Marginal note:Where name not to be called

  (3.1) On application by the prosecutor or on its own motion, the court, or a judge of the court, before which the jury trial is to be held, if it is satisfied that it is in the best interest of the administration of justice to do so, including in order to protect the privacy or safety of the members of the jury and alternate jurors, may order that, for the purposes of subsection (3), the clerk of the court shall only call out the number on each card.

• Marginal note:Juror and other persons to be sworn

  (4) The clerk of the court shall swear each member of the jury, and any alternate jurors, in the order in which his or her card was drawn and shall swear any other person providing technical, personal, interpretative or other support services to a juror with a physical disability.

• Marginal note:Drawing additional cards if necessary

  (5) If the number of persons who answer under subsection (3) or (3.1) is not sufficient to provide a full jury and the number of alternate jurors ordered by the judge, the clerk of the court shall proceed in accordance with subsections (3), (3.1) and (4) until twelve jurors and any alternate jurors are sworn.

• Marginal note:Ban on publication, etc.

  (6) On application by the prosecutor or on its own motion, the court or judge before which a jury trial is to be held may, if an order under subsection (3.1) has been made, make an order directing that the identity of a juror or alternate juror or any information that could disclose their identity shall not be published in any document or broadcast in any way, if the court or judge is satisfied that such an order is necessary for the proper administration of justice.