5 d. ago ‘A move towards an authoritarian state’: what those with trial experience think of removing juries

David Lammy’s plans to cut the the number of jury trials in England and Wales. A defendant, a victim, a barrister, a KC, a judge and a juror have concernsThis week the justice secretary, David Lammy, announced sweeping changes to the criminal justice system that will significantly reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales. Under the radical plans, jury trials will be reserved for cases in “indictable-only” offences such as murder or rape, and “either-way” offences (those where the defendant can currently decide whether they will be tried by a jury or magistrates), with a likely sentence of more than three years in prison.While Lammy backed down on plans to remove jury trials for all cases involving a maximum jail term of five years, the move has led to an outcry from MPs, lawyers and campaigners. The Guardian spoke to a range of people who have seen juries’ work close up about their experiences and the proposals. Continue reading...

Events

7 d. ago Now Trump ally blasts Lammy's justice reforms, warning lack of juries will see more jailed under 'absurd censorship laws'

An ally of the US President said that removing the right to a jury trial is 'misguided' and will see more people jailed for breaching the UK's 'absurd censorship laws'.

Events

9 d. ago The jury is still out on David Lammy’s ‘swift court’ reforms

Editorial: The lord chancellor is right to adopt urgent measures to tackle a court backlog that is ruining lives and depriving so many of justice – but even if it takes years, the general presumption of a basic right to trial by jury must be restored

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9 d. ago Furious Labour MPs compare David Lammy to PUTIN as he says right to trial by jury will be abolished for all but most serious crimes in 'chilling' assault on ancient liberties

David Lammy was assailed from all sides as he declared that tens of thousands of defendants will be deprived of the 800-year-old right in a desperate bid to cut a massive backlog of cases.

Events

9 d. ago Juries to be scrapped in thousands of cases, David Lammy confirms

The justice secretary has announced sweeping reforms to the courts system including limiting the right to a jury trial

Politics

9 d. ago Jury trials to be scrapped for certain crimes, justice secretary confirms

David Lammy announces new 'swift courts'

Society

9 d. ago Why David Lammy's plan to scrap jury trials should TERRIFY you

While welcoming efforts to lower the case backlog, Mary Prior KC said she has no idea 'where on Earth' Lammy had been given the advice to scrap juries.

Events

9 d. ago Mobile phone thieves shouldn't be able to delay rape cases by demanding trial by jury, suggests David Lammy

The Justice Secretary was unveiling reforms to deal with a ‘courts emergency’

Events

9 d. ago Bulgaria's government withdraws controversial budget after major protests

Bulgaria’s government said Tuesday it is withdrawing a controversial budget proposal after protests against it drew tens of thousands of people and saw clashes between police and protesters

Politics

1 week ago David Lammy to unveil major justice reforms to tackle 'courts emergency'

The Deputy Prime Minister will lay out his plan in parliament today to tackle the 'courts emergency' over a backlog of cases totalling more than 78,000.

Events

1 week ago Keir Starmer's former barrister chambers 'firmly opposed' to government's jury axe plans

Keir Starmer helped to set up Doughty Street when he was a human rights barrister

Politics

1 week ago Scrapping jury trials is 'perilous' and like taking 'flamethrower to justice system'

Tory peer Lord Gove claims Justice Secretary David Lammy’s plans to eradicate trial by jury is wrong because it's an 'ancient liberty' and a 'cornerstone' of our freedom

Politics

1 week ago SUE REID: Our probing questions to a judge saved an innocent young man's life from ruin 

The young man smiled as he was freed from the dock. He hugged his relieved parents outside the crown court as we, the jury members at his rape trial, went back to our lives and never met again.

Events

2 w. ago Bonnie Blue to host 'thousands' of teenagers for controversial mass sex romp stunt

Bonnie Blue, who shot to global infamy when she allegedly slept with 1,057 men in 12 hours, has boasted about 'taking care' of Australia's high school graduates in Bali

Politics

2 w. ago Bonnie Blue to host 'thousands' of teenagers for controversial mass sex stunt

Bonnie Blue, who shot to global infamy when she allegedly slept with 1,057 men in 12 hours, has boasted about 'taking care' of Australia's high school graduates in Bali

Politics

2 w. ago Minister says 'no final decision' made over controversial plans to axe most jury trials

Sarah Sackman pledged to do 'whatever it takes to protect the fundamental right to a fair trial', saying jury trials would always be a 'cornerstone' of British justice

Politics

2 w. ago Furious backlash over Lammy's 'Star Chamber' plans to scrap jury trials for most crimes: Lawyers slam secret justice 'stitch

The Deputy Prime Minister faced a furious backlash after a leaked memo revealed the biggest shake-up in the criminal justice system for 800 years.

Society

2 w. ago Liverpool parade suspect breaks down in tears as jury sworn in for crash trial

Paul Doyle is accused of 31 offences relating to a car hitting crowds at a victory parade in May

Events

2 w. ago Accused breaks down in tears as jury sworn in for Liverpool parade crash trial

Paul Doyle, 54, is charged with 31 offences.

Events

2 w. ago Paul Doyle Liverpool trial LIVE parade crash jury selection made

Doyle, of Croxteth, Liverpool, is accused of dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm

Events