Story perspectives

New Trial Ordered After Jury Misunderstands Consent Issues

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

DNA evidence identified the defendant as the perpetrator of the sexual assault reported by a woman who passed out in a cabin.
During the trial, jurors asked questions indicating misconceptions about sexual history and consent, alarming the judge.
Crown lawyer Jeremy Cameron sought a mistrial, arguing the jurors' reasoning was impermissible.
Judge Hastings discharged the jury after identifying entrenched misconceptions, which led to a new trial and the defendant's conviction.

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Story summary

DNA evidence identified the defendant as the perpetrator of the sexual assault reported by a woman who passed out in a cabin.
During the trial, jurors asked questions indicating misconceptions about sexual history and consent, alarming the judge.
Crown lawyer Jeremy Cameron sought a mistrial, arguing the jurors' reasoning was impermissible.
Judge Hastings discharged the jury after identifying entrenched misconceptions, which led to a new trial and the defendant's conviction.