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Controversial Plan Could Limit Jury Trials in Serious Crimes

12/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Justice Secretary David Lammy announced plans to curb jury trials in England and Wales, reserving them for murder and rape.
MPs, lawyers, and campaigners criticized the move as undermining fairness and removing diverse perspectives from verdicts.
Dorothy, a victim, worries magistrates may misjudge complex cases, and critics warn miscarriages of justice could follow, especially for Black and minority ethnic defendants.

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Story summary

Justice Secretary David Lammy announced plans to curb jury trials in England and Wales, reserving them for murder and rape.
MPs, lawyers, and campaigners criticized the move as undermining fairness and removing diverse perspectives from verdicts.
Dorothy, a victim, worries magistrates may misjudge complex cases, and critics warn miscarriages of justice could follow, especially for Black and minority ethnic defendants.