A criminal trial involves matters such as theft, mischief, assault, sexual assault, murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, bank robbery and drug cases.
In a criminal trial, the purpose of the jury selection process is for Crown counsel (also called the prosecution) and defence counsel (the lawyer for the person charged with the crime) to decide who they want on the jury.
Twelve to 14 jurors are chosen for criminal trials. Crown counsel, defence counsel, the accused (the person charged with the crime) and court staff are present during jury selection.
The process:
A judge might decide to pick alternate jurors. An alternate juror takes the place of any existing jurors who are unable to serve. The alternate juror must attend the first day of the trial. If an existing juror is unable to serve, the alternate juror will take their place for jury duty.