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Welcome
to the Virtual Courtroom.
Place your mouse cursor in the image below,
press down and drag to move your viewpoint. Use the + and -
buttons to zoom in and out.
This Virtual
Courtroom requires the free
Quicktime plugin. If you do not have it, you
should be automatically prompted to get it.
If not, CLICK
HERE.
The image below is a virtual view of the
courtroom from the jury box point of view.
The virtual courtroom was produced in partnership with the University of Regina Department of Justice Studies, the University of Regina Centre for Academic Technologies, Dan Carr and Josephine Savarese.
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The Judge
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Determines
if a case is proven. In criminal law, a case must be proven beyond
a reasonable doubt. In civil law, a case must be proven on the balance
of probabilities |
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Ensures
that the trial is fair, correct legal rules followed and
relevant evidence admitted |
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Ensures
a secure environment for all who come to court including the parties,
the witnesses, and the accused |
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The Lawyers
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In Criminal Cases |
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Defence Counsel– represents the accused |
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Crown Counsel – represents the public’s interests and concerns. Has a duty to present full and fair evidence against the accused person |
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General |
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All
lawyers advocate for their clients’ side of the issue, lead
evidence on their clients’ behalf, scrutinize and cross-examine
evidence, and argue their clients’ side of the case before the
trier of fact (the Judge or Jury). |
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The Clerk
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Ensures
proceedings are recorded |
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Swears
in witnesses and handles trial exhibits |
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Is
responsible for the court file and paperwork |
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The Jury
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Selected
at random from a pool of eligible people |
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Eligible
people are Canadian citizens over the age of 18 who reside in the province |
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The
Jury Act sets out rules governing juries |
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Hears
evidence and make determinations of guilt in criminal matters and
findings of responsibility in civil matters |
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Listens to the
trial judge who explains what legal duties they have |
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The Witness
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Takes
an Oath or makes a Solemn Affirmation |
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Provides
evidence in Court |
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Subject
to cross-examination |
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The Accused
(in criminal
matters)
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The
Crown must prove that the accused is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt |
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Has
the right to be in court to hear all evidence in his/her case |
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Is
not obligated to testify in his or her own defense |
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Has
the right to represent him/her self in court if they have no lawyer |
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The Parties
(in civil matters)
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Actions
are commenced by Plaintiff’s counsel |
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Defendant is the other party in a civil action |
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The Public
Gallery
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All
court proceedings are public, unless ordered otherwise |
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Cameras,
recording devices, cell phones are not permitted in court |
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Observers
must not disturb the proceedings |
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