The Government is facing calls to reassess proposed extensive changes that would limit the use of jury trials to only the most severe cases. According to a leaked memo obtained by The Times, Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized that there is no automatic entitlement to jury trials in the UK. He argued that significant measures are necessary to address the backlog of cases in the crown courts of England and Wales.
Under the proposed reforms, juries would be reserved for deciding cases involving murder, rape, or manslaughter, while the majority of other cases would be heard by a judge alone. These plans exceed the recommendations put forth by Sir Brian Leveson following his review of the criminal courts earlier this year.
Government insiders informed The Mirror that the changes aim to expedite case resolutions and provide much-needed support to victims who have faced prolonged waits for justice. However, the move has sparked controversy, with some in the criminal justice sector cautioning that it could lead to a system resembling the historical “star chamber,” where judges presided over cases without a jury.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, criticized the proposed changes as an attack on public justice, warning that diminishing the right to jury trial could weaken the connection between the State and ordinary citizens, eroding social cohesion and trust in the criminal justice system.
The Bar Council, representing barristers in England and Wales, expressed concerns that radical reforms might severely undermine trust in the justice system. Chair Barbara Mills KC emphasized that the current crisis in the criminal justice system is not solely due to jury trials. She argued for a focus on addressing existing inefficiencies before considering major structural changes.
The Justice Department has been contacted for a response to the concerns raised regarding the proposed reforms.
