Overview
- The government has proposed routing cases likely to attract sentences of three years or less to judge-only 'swift courts' instead of juries.
- Magistrates’ courts would gain power to impose sentences of up to 18 months, expanding the range of either-way cases they can conclude.
- The package follows Sir Brian Leveson’s July recommendations, which argued that systemic reform, not funding alone, is needed to tackle delays.
- Supporters contend the plan changes the threshold for jury use rather than abolishing juries, arguing it will speed justice for victims and reduce gaming of delays; 4,283 defendants elected Crown Court trial in 2024/25.
- Public and professional pushback has grown, with Lancashire Telegraph readers largely rejecting the change and critics—including ex-ministers and Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain—warning of risks to confidence in the system.