Jury-trial changes wrong – England-and-Wales body
The British government’s jury trial proposals go too far, the Law Society of England and Wales has warned.
“Our criminal-justice system is a crucial public service which for too long has been neglected, with victims, witnesses and defendants waiting years for justice,” said immediate past president of the Law Society Richard Atkinson.
“The backlogs in our courts need to be tackled urgently, and additional investment and resources and a commitment to Sir Brian Leveson’s recommendations are welcome.
“However, the government’s proposals go too far in eroding the long-standing right to be judged by a jury of our own peers."
Liberty and reputations
“They allow a single judge to determine guilt in serious, life-changing cases that could significantly affect people’s liberty and reputations.
Lasting reform requires sustained funding for court capacity and the legal profession, not rushed legislation that risks weakening confidence in the justice system.”
On increasing Crown Court sitting days, Richard Atkinson said: “Lifting restrictions on Crown Court sitting days and funding Magistrates’ Courts to their highest operational capacity is a step in the right direction.
“There are several more steps the government needs to take to tackle the backlogs and ensure fair and swift justice is delivered.
Increasing solicitors’ fees
“This includes taking action to reduce the number of cases coming into the system, dealing with prisoners not being delivered to court on time and sorting out court technology and infrastructure.
“Workforce capacity needs to be built by increasing solicitors’ fees and recruiting more legal advisers,” he said.