Overview
- Justice Secretary David Lammy proposes judge-only trials for offences likely to carry sentences of three years or less, with juries retained for the most serious crimes.
- The package raises magistrates’ sentencing powers to 18 months to keep more either‑way cases out of the Crown Court.
- Senior barristers, the Criminal Bar Association and cross‑party lawyers challenge Lammy’s use of statistics, disputing his claim that 60% of cases are withdrawn due to trial delays.
- Supporters cite efficiency and victims’ interests, noting 4,283 cases in 2024/25 went to the Crown Court by defendant election and warning that investment alone, without reform, will not clear delays.
- Public reaction includes strong objections over perceived erosion of jury rights, with commentary clarifying that the UK’s uncodified constitution allows Parliament to change trial procedures as legislation is developed.