The trial of Steve Lévesque, who is accused of murder, will end at the Rimouski courthouse. Judge François Huot began issuing his instructions to the jury on Thursday morning.
The judge reminded the jury that they needed to determine whether Steve Lévesque was guilty or not guilty of the 2nd degree murder of Maxime Dugas-Lepage, in light of all the evidence they had heard.
François Huot told the jurors they needed to define whether Crown prosecutors found Steve Lévesque guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
He also insisted that jurors need to examine the evidence from their own briefs and make their decision impartially, without fear, without sympathy and without considering public opinion.
The judge added that jurors need to do all reasonable efforts to reach a unanimous decision and they should keep an open mind when they analyze the evidence. Feel free to reconsider your own opinionhe reminds them.
The jury must also follow all the rules of law that the judge will teach them later on Thursday.
Judge Huot also recalled that it was up to the jury to determine the sentence the accused would face if he was found guilty.
He continued his indications by summarizing some testimonies that he thought were important.
The jury members listened intently to the judge’s instructions as they listened intently to the evidence by taking notes throughout the hearing which lasted over twenty days.
Jurors must be separated at the end of the day to begin their deliberation.
On Wednesday, criminal and penal prosecution attorney Jérôme Simard, and Steve Lévesque’s attorney, Pierre L’Écuyer, delivered their arguments.
Source: Radio-Canada