JJJ: Juries, Judgements, and Jails

Do we really want to know how the sausage is made? This week we take a look at juries. We trust 12 non-legal experts to pass judgement on the most serious criminal charges. But we have no idea who they are, they don't explain their decisions, and its a criminal offence to ask them about their deliberations. Is it time to rethink trial by jury?

Then we look at Judges. Judges are required to provide reasons. When they don't there is trouble. We take a look at the Ontario Court of Appeal's decisions R. v. Sliwka - a case where the judge never provided reasons for her decision.

Last up - failed correctional policy. Ontario want's to build some new jails. It is a horrible idea - because the government will screw it up. It always does. Building new bigger is nothing to be proud of. It is an admission of failure.