While I have heard stories about jurors suffering PTSD from the graphic testimony introduced at trial, I have never heard of a juror actually suing for the harm suffered. Mark Farrant of Toronto, Canada has done just that. He has brought a claim against Ottawa and the federal government for $100,000. He alleges that the government by failing to offer him any mental health care services during his service as a juror breached its "duty of care."
At present, Canada offers mental health services to any juror who requests help under its Juror Support Program. However, this program was only recently established and not available when Mr. Farrant was a juror. This will be a very interesting case to follow. My hope is that it receives public attention and spurs other court systems like those in the U.S. to offer counseling to all jurors who request it.
To read more about Mr. Farrant's case go here.
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