Slashing jury trials could clear courts backlog within a decade, says Lammy

Lord Chancellor David Lammy claims slashing jury trials could clear the court backlog in England and Wales within a decade. He proposes adopting a system similar to Canada's, where judge-only trials are common for less serious offenses. The proposal would eliminate jury trials for cases with sentences of three years or less, extend magistrates' powers, and establish a judge-only "swift" court. Ministers argue this is necessary to halve jury trials and address the backlog exacerbated by the pandemic. However, the proposals face opposition from Labour MPs who fear it could disadvantage working-class and minority ethnic defendants. Lammy, speaking from Canada, argues that defendants there often prefer judge-only trials.

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