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Proposed Reforms Risk More Court Backlogs, Critics Warn

12/3/2025

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

England and Wales prosecute about 1.3 million cases annually, with around 10% reaching crown courts.
Reforms could reduce jury trials from three out of ten to two.
Critics, including barristers, say these changes will not fix court backlogs caused by budget cuts to the Ministry of Justice.
Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, condemned the reforms and questioned their legitimacy without a mandate.

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Story summary

England and Wales prosecute about 1.3 million cases annually, with around 10% reaching crown courts.
Reforms could reduce jury trials from three out of ten to two.
Critics, including barristers, say these changes will not fix court backlogs caused by budget cuts to the Ministry of Justice.
Robert Jenrick, the Shadow Justice Secretary, condemned the reforms and questioned their legitimacy without a mandate.