Abstract

The authors empirically examine the challenge for cause process in the context of a murder trial in a rural region in southern Ontario. A survey was under-taken to assess prejudice and is compared to prejudice found in potential jurors. The study also compares the verdicts on each potential juror screened in the challenge for cause process, as rendered by the triers, defence counsel and a professional psychologist observing the proceedure. The results of these studies are presented within.