The justice secretary has announced that any crime expecting a sentence of less than 3 years will no longer go through the usual jury trial process. Instead, the new proposal includes jury-free trials such as magistrates or a new judge-only Crown Court, as well as more out-of-court settlements.
What’s the reason for the reform?
This change to the justice system is an attempt to tackle the escalating delays in the court system. The justice secretary has said that the new changes will mean cases get dealt with a fifth faster than jury trials.
There’s no denying that the current backlog is severe. Currently a suspect being charged today may not face trial until 2030. While 6 out of 10 rape victims are withdrawing from prosecutions due to the psychological distress caused by delays.
Should the community be concerned?
Rest assured, jury trials will still remain for the most serious crimes including rape, murder, aggravated burglary, blackmail, people smuggling and serious drug offences.
What’s being said?
There are severe concerns among those in the legal profession. Abigail Ashford, a solicitor, has voiced that “removing the community from assessing credibility and fairness undermines trust in a way that cannot be compensated for by concentrating decisions in the hands of a single judge.”
The Criminal Bar Association said that “Juries work – they do their job superbly, and without bias.”
Looking to Clear the Backlog in Your Business?
Free up more time and clear your backlog by outsourcing your ringing phone to us. We have a professional team of customer service advisors ready to handle your incoming calls as though members of your own team. We’ll handle your calls in just the way you choose, your customers will never know they haven’t reached your team directly. Free your skilled team from the ringing phone, redirect their time to better serving your business.
To find out more visit our website here.