Magnotta elected to be tried by judge and jury.[1] He pleaded not guilty, admitting to the acts of which he was accused but claiming diminished responsibility due to mental disorders. Crown Attorney Louis Bouthillier made his opening statement on September 29, 2014. Quebec Superior Court Justice Guy Cournoyer presided over the trial, which lasted 10 weeks.[91] On the opening day, he instructed jurors that Magnotta "admits the acts or the conducts underlying the crime for which he is charged.