UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK Justice Secretary has proposed scrapping jury trials for the majority of cases, reserving them only for the most serious offences such as murder, rape or manslaughter. The move comes as part of urgent reforms to address a record backlog of nearly 78,000 court cases, with new tribunals of judges and magistrates handling less serious trials to speed up justice.
Government aims to overhaul jury trials amid court backlog crisis
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, responding to Sir Brian Leveson’s independent review, has put forward plans that would see thousands of cases move from jury trials to judge-and-magistrate panels or judge-only hearings. The backlog of 77,000 crown court cases the highest ever recorded, with listings delayed up to 2029 is driving the urgency to reform the justice system.
Criteria for jury trial restriction and new court formats
Under the proposals, jury trials would be reserved for the gravest crimes like murder, rape, and manslaughter. Cases involving offences with maximum sentences of two years or less, such as drug possession or bike theft, would lose the right to a jury. For “either-way” offences, which can currently be tried in either magistrates’ courts or crown courts, a new Crown Court Bench Division comprising a judge and two magistrates would hear trials without juries. Additionally, defendants could opt for a judge-only trial in more complex cases such as fraud.
Government’s rationale: speeding justice and public safety
Nick Thomas-Symonds, a government minister, labelled the court system “on the brink of crisis” and said reforms are necessary to keep the public safe by delivering faster justice. The Ministry of Justice highlighted criminals exploit jury trials to delay proceedings, prolonging suffering for victims. The reforms aim to cut tens of thousands of sitting days in crown courts annually, potentially reducing trial delays from years to a manageable timeframe.
Legal community and political opposition
The proposals face fierce criticism from legal professionals and opposition parties. The Criminal Bar Association warned removing jury trials undermines a fundamental pillar of British justice and risks eroding public trust. Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Jess Brown-Fuller condemned the plans as “utterly reckless,” alleging they erode justice while failing victims. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick advocated increasing court hours and sitting days instead of scrapping jury trials, defending the right as an essential constitutional safeguard.
Public and constitutional concerns about removing juries
Experts caution that the changes may represent one of the most significant alterations to the British justice system in decades. While the reforms are framed as necessary to avoid systemic collapse, critics highlight risks to defendants’ rights, transparency, and the centuries-old tradition of jury trials. The government has promised to carefully consider these concerns before legislating later this year.
