Labour Scraps Plan to Curb Jury Trials After Backlash
Britain's government is scrapping plans to limit jury trials after lawyers and politicians pushed back against the proposal. Justice Secretary Alex Norris said he decided to "change course" after hearing "the strength of feeling" on the issue.
- 80,829 Crown Court cases were awaiting trial at the end of June.
- That backlog is nearly double the 2020 figure.
- Complex fraud trials could still be heard by a judge alone, the MoJ said.
- A revised plan would shift 25,000 cases a year to magistrates' courts, per the Criminal Bar Association.
Why it matters: The original plan — championed by former Justice Secretary David Lammy — would have reserved jury trials for serious offences and cases likely to carry sentences above three years. Supporters said it would cut delays; opponents said it curtailed a fundamental right.
- Critics, including lawyers and MPs, argued under-investment — not jury trials — caused the backlog.
- England's senior judiciary raised what Reuters reported as "grave security concerns" about judges hearing cases alone.
How 5 sources split on this story
Where they split: The core dispute is whether replacing juries would have meaningfully cut delays or primarily eroded defendants' rights.
Center coverage, 2 sources: The center presents the reversal as a response to a sustained legal and political backlash, with cautious welcome from bar groups alongside lingering concerns about magistrates' capacity.
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left frames this as another Burnham reversal of Starmer-era policy, crediting sustained pressure from lawyers and MPs while noting the backlog crisis remains unsolved.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right frames the move as Labour belatedly backing down from a rights-eroding proposal, while arguing the revised plan still restricts jury access through the back door.
What’s next: The government is pressing ahead with shifting more cases to magistrates' courts, removing defendants' right to elect Crown Court jury trial for some offences.
- CBA chair Andrew Thomas KC warned magistrates lack enough staff and resources for the added caseload.
- Magistrates' court backlogs have risen 40 percent in some areas, and a Justice Committee report said recruitment targets are ambitious.
- Will shifting 25,000 cases to magistrates' courts worsen backlogs there without significant new investment?
- Will the government restore the Labour whip to barrister and MP Karl Turner, who was suspended for opposing the original plan?