Plan to reduce jury trials an ‘irremediable error’, lawyers say in MoJ letter

Over 100 lawyers, including 23 king's counsel, have written to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) expressing strong opposition to proposed plans that would significantly reduce jury trials in England and Wales. The government is expected to announce the changes, which would have judges preside alone over trials for offenses meriting prison sentences of up to five years, limiting jury trials to the most serious offenses. The lawyers argue this plan is an "irremediable error" that will not reduce court backlogs and ignores the legal profession's concerns. The Criminal Bar Association also voiced anger, stating the changes would erode trust in the criminal justice system. The MoJ defends the plan as a necessary measure to address a backlog of approximately 80,000 cases, causing harm to both victims and defendants.

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