Jury trial reforms face backlash

Justice Secretary David Lammy’s proposal to eliminate jury trials for offences with potential jail sentences under five years faces significant opposition in the House of Lords. The reforms, which have been put forward as ministers look to reduce a backlog in the courts, would affect various crimes, including burglary and fraud. Lord Goldsmith, a former Attorney General, warned that Mr Lammy will encounter resistance, saying: “They will definitely have a battle in the Lords.” Critics, including Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, have condemned the move, arguing it undermines long-standing legal rights. Analysis by the Criminal Bar Association suggested more than 77,000 jury cases could be scrapped if the plans go ahead, with around 95% of Crown Court cases heard only by a judge under the plans. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman said: “The right to a jury trial for our most serious cases will remain a fundamental part of our British legal tradition.”