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Starmer Proposes Jury Trial Cuts Amid Legal Backlog

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced plans to scrap some jury trials to tackle the backlog.
He noted that 90% of criminal cases are heard in magistrates' courts without juries.
He faces opposition from legal experts and Labour MPs who question the reforms' effectiveness.
A report indicated that proposed judge-only trials would save less than 2% of crown court time.

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Story summary

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, announced plans to scrap some jury trials to tackle the backlog.
He noted that 90% of criminal cases are heard in magistrates' courts without juries.
He faces opposition from legal experts and Labour MPs who question the reforms' effectiveness.
A report indicated that proposed judge-only trials would save less than 2% of crown court time.