The self-represented accused, who is on the autism spectrum, sought to challenge prospective jurors for cause based on potential prejudice against persons on the autism spectrum.
Applying the Supreme Court's decision in Chouhan, the trial judge permitted the challenge, finding a reasonable possibility that bias or prejudicial attitudes exist in the community.
The judge also exercised her discretion to allow the accused and the Crown to alternate posing the challenge for cause questions to the jurors, departing from the general rule that the trial judge should pose the questions, in order to maintain the appearance of objective neutrality and accommodate the accused's strong preference.
