The Government is facing calls to reassess extensive reforms that propose the removal of jury trials for all but the most severe cases. As per a document obtained by The Times, Justice Secretary David Lammy expressed the need for significant measures to address the backlog of cases in the crown courts of England and Wales, stating that there is no inherent right to jury trials in the UK.
Under the proposed changes, juries would only preside over cases involving murder, rape, or manslaughter, with the majority of other cases being heard by a single judge. These plans surpass the recommendations made by Sir Brian Leveson, who conducted a review of the criminal courts in July.
Government insiders informed The Mirror that the alteration aims to expedite case proceedings, offering relief to victims who have been awaiting justice for extended periods. However, the move has sparked controversy, with prominent figures in the criminal justice sector cautioning against the potential for “star chamber” justice, drawing parallels to a historical judicial practice.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, criticized the initiative, describing it as a concerted assault on public justice. She warned that diminishing the right to jury trials could weaken the connection between the State and ordinary citizens, risking social cohesion and trust in the criminal justice system.
The Bar Council, representing barristers in England and Wales, echoed concerns, suggesting that such drastic reforms might erode trust in the justice system. Chair of the Bar Council Barbara Mills KC emphasized that the existing crisis in the criminal justice system is not solely due to jury trials and advocated for addressing inefficiencies before considering major constitutional changes.
The Justice Department has been requested to provide a response regarding these proposed reforms.