Crime reporting is one of the oldest forms of journalism. It tells us who should be feared and who should be punished for tearing the social fabric. But its often sensational approach has consequences: It demonizes Black people with exaggerated portrayals of their criminality, and invites the rest of society to do the same.

Racial bias plays a role in jury deliberations and weighs heavily on trial outcomes. So why are the courts still reluctant to admit it?

Systemic barriers in Ontario guarantee that Black people are vetted out of jury selection from the start. Journalist Eternity Martis explains who gets chosen for Ontario juries – and why it matters that the answer is rarely Black people.