Juror Prejudice: An Empirical Study of a Challenge for Cause

The authors empirically examine the challenge for cause process in the context of a murder trial in a rural region in southern Ontario. A survey was undertaken to assess prejudice in the community. This is the expected indicator of community prejudice and is compared to prejudice found in potential jurors. The study also compares the verdicts on each potential juror screened in the challenge for cause process, as rendered by the triers, defence counsel and a professional psychologist observing the procedure. The results of these studies are presented within