2 total
Convictions quashed and new trial ordered because trial judge lacked jurisdiction to try separate informations simultaneously.
The appellants were convicted of assaulting peace officers after being tried jointly on separate informations.
The Supreme Court of Canada allowed the appeal, quashed the convictions, and ordered a new trial, holding that a trial judge lacks jurisdiction to try separate informations simultaneously.
The Court also ordered that no civil proceedings be taken against the trial judge.
Appeal dismissed; trial judge not required to summarize all testimony or simplify expert evidence for jury.
The appellant was convicted of first degree murder after shooting a victim following an altercation in a tavern.
At trial, he relied on the defence of insanity under s. 16(2) of the Criminal Code, calling psychiatrists to testify to his history of schizophrenia.
The trial judge briefly summarized the defence evidence but did not simplify the expert testimony or mention certain peripheral witnesses.
The appellant appealed, arguing the jury charge was inadequate.
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed the appeal, holding that a trial judge is not required to summarize unimportant testimony, translate expert language into the vernacular, or refer to every single witness in the charge to the jury.
