Judge cancels jury selection ahead of ‘paper terrorism’ trial

Allen Nelson Boisjoli is the accused in a so-called “paper terrorism” case scheduled to begin Monday, related to allegations he intimidated a peace officer through a legal campaign.

But when Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Eldon Simpson attempted to begin the jury selection process Thursday, Boisjoli began what would become a series of interruptions and “objections” that ultimately ended with him leaving the courtroom escorted by sheriffs.

The Freeman on the Land movement generally espouses the view that all government and related rule of law is illegitimate.

Boisjoli, who has repeatedly said he does not acknowledge the jurisdiction of Alberta’s courts, had previously declined to make an election for jury and judge or judge alone, so he was automatically scheduled for a jury trial.

After Simpson noted Boisjoli would neither co-operate nor participate in the process, Boisjoli told the judge he has no jurisdiction to “command” him.

After further objections from the accused, Simpson remarked he was concerned about the “squander” of court resources and cancelled the selection.

“Your trial will be by judge alone,” Simpson said.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Sterling Sanderman will hear the trial. Boisjoli and Sanderman had a heated exchange during a case management hearing in March.

After Boisjoli was taken away, Simpson brought in the 114 potential jurors who had been called, and advised them the selection had been cancelled.