Overview

• The trial of five former world junior hockey players accused of sexual assault now proceeds without a jury after Justice Maria Carroccia's decision last week.
• The jury was discharged after a juror alleged inappropriate behavior by defense lawyers, marking the second jury-related disruption in the case.
• The Crown agreed to the judge-alone format to prevent retraumatizing the complainant, E. M., who previously testified via CCTV under a publication ban.
• Legal experts suggest the judge-alone trial may streamline proceedings, with shorter arguments and fewer procedural delays.
• The case stems from a 2018 incident in London, Ontario, which led to governance scrutiny and leadership changes within Hockey Canada after a 2022 civil settlement.