Story perspectives

Over 3,200 Legal Experts Oppose Jury Trial Reforms

3/10/2026

Summary

Lawyers Urge Jury Trials

Over 3,200 legal professionals, including 300 barristers and 22 retired judges, urge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to rethink limits on jury trials in England and Wales.
The reforms would permit judge-only trials for cases with up to three-year sentences.
Critics say this undermines a fundamental constitutional right and leaves the backlog of nearly 80,000 cases unaddressed.
Justice Secretary David Lammy says the changes are needed to expedite justice.

Summary

Claire Critiques Jury Cuts

Claire Davies KC criticized the government's plan to reduce jury trials, saying it risks undermining the legitimacy of the justice system.
With MPs preparing to vote on the Courts and Tribunals Bill, concerns rise that reforms prioritize speed over fairness.
A report from the Institute for Government warns that more judge-only trials and higher magistrates’ powers could create 'rough justice' and strain the system, with savings uncertain.

History

Historical Context

The Criminal Justice Act 2003 introduced significant reforms to England's legal system, allowing judge-only trials in cases of jury tampering and complex fraud. Following its implementation in 2007, the first juryless trial occurred in 2009, reflecting ongoing concerns about jury integrity. Current proposed reforms echo these historical changes, raising fears about potential threats to constitutional rights and public trust in the justice system.

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Lawyers Urge Jury Trials

Over 3,200 legal professionals, including 300 barristers and 22 retired judges, urge Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to rethink limits on jury trials in England and Wales.
The reforms would permit judge-only trials for cases with up to three-year sentences.
Critics say this undermines a fundamental constitutional right and leaves the backlog of nearly 80,000 cases unaddressed.
Justice Secretary David Lammy says the changes are needed to expedite justice.

1 / 3