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.
