Posted on 08/01/2026 4:24:58 PM PDT by xxqqzz
Andy Burnham has said he has "concerns" about plans to reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales and wants to look in detail at the proposals.
The proposals were put forward under Sir Keir Starmer's government by former justice secretary David Lammy, who has since been fired by Burnham.
Lammy had said reducing the number of jury trials would help tackle the huge backlog in Crown Court cases, but critics - including most barristers and many Labour MPs - fear it will undermine the justice system.
Speaking to reporters on a visit to Sheffield, the prime minister said: "My instincts are that we need to find ways of not reducing access to jury trial."
Burnham said he wanted to "really look in detail" at the proposal, which is set to become law in the next few months, as part of the Courts and Tribunals Bill.
He added: "It's similar to the early release scheme. I want to get inside these issues before I confirm any of the plans that I inherited and, in fact, probably looking for changes."
Last week, the new prime minister announced a pause in a scheme that would have seen thousands of prisoners in England and Wales released early.
He said he had also started the process of readmitting Hull East MP Karl Turner, who has been one of the biggest critics of the jury trials plan, into the Parliamentary Labour Party.
"I've asked the chief whip to speak to Karl and, sort of, agree a process that can be taken forward," he told reporters.
"Obviously, addressing issues that the chief whip will need to discuss, but that's where we are."rs.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
No, the real problem is Jury trials don’t work in tribalized societies. I think it was Hong Kong, they got rid of jury trials because none of the various ethnic groups will convict one of their own. We saw that with the Simpson trial here in the U.S.A. I’m sure Jury trials and impartial justice is some species of “white supremacy” anyhow. LOL
Consider jury trials in D.C. against January 6 protestors.
Also consider this.
Perp commits serious crime, gets probation or very nominal jail term, perp commits another serious crime, gets probation or very nominal jail term, perp commits another serious crime, gets probation or very nominal jail term, ... (multiple trials)
versus
Perp commits serious crime, gets long jail term, (one trial)
Trial backlog is greatly relieved. Funny how that works.
a few teasers about ‘undoing prior bad decisions’...
but will he actually do it?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.