The Government faces calls to reassess proposed extensive reforms that would eliminate jury trials for all but the most severe offenses.
In a leaked memo obtained by The Times, Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the absence of an absolute right to jury trials in the UK and advocated for urgent measures to reduce the backlog of cases in English and Welsh crown courts.
Under the proposed changes, juries would only preside over murder, rape, or manslaughter cases, while the majority of other cases would be adjudicated by a judge alone.
These reforms surpass the recommendations put forth by Sir Brian Leveson, who conducted a review of the criminal courts and submitted his report in July.
Government insiders informed The Mirror that the shift aims to expedite case resolutions, providing swifter justice for victims who have endured prolonged waits for their day in court.
However, the move has sparked controversy, with prominent figures in the criminal justice system cautioning against potential repercussions reminiscent of “star chamber” justice, a historical reference to judges hearing cases independently.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, expressed concerns over what she perceives as a targeted assault on public justice, warning that undermining the right to jury trial could weaken the bond between the State and ordinary citizens, jeopardizing trust in the legal system.
The Bar Council, representing barristers in England and Wales, cautioned that such drastic reforms might erode public confidence in the justice system.
Barbara Mills KC, Chair of the Bar Council, argued that the crisis in the criminal justice system does not stem from jury trials, advocating instead for addressing inefficiencies within the system and exploring efficiency reforms before contemplating major constitutional changes.
She urged thorough testing and piloting of the proposed intermediate court model before discarding a longstanding tradition, emphasizing the need to avoid further undermining trust in the criminal justice system.
The Justice Department has been approached for comment.