Latest editorial
Juries could be axed in court backlog crisis as government looks into reforms
Angela Eagle in the House of Commons, January 11, 2022
TRIAL by jury for some crimes is facing the chop as the backlog of crown court cases hits a record high.
Government ministers have launched a review, to be headed by Investigatory Powers Commissioner Sir Brian Levenson, to consider all options for reducing the number of unheard cases.
One plan is to remove the right to a jury trial from those accused of less serious offences.
Similar stories
Former judge ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the details and controversy of Lucy Letby’s trial and appeal in the context of famous historical wrongful convictions that prove both the justice system and legal activists make errors
ANSELM ELDERGILL examines the government’s proposals to further limit the right of citizens to trial by jury
PROFESSOR ANSELM ELDERGILL suggests ways in which the government can boost legal aid and support