The prime minister’s spokesperson is right that “only by using a combination of reform, investment and efficiency, can we hope to turn the tide on the backlog and deliver the faster and fairer justice the victims deserve” in the criminal courts (Labour lawyers ‘blocked’ from briefing MPs on jury trials overhaul before vote, 9 March). But curtailing the right to jury trial will have a minimal effect on the backlog.
And it's not the curtailing of an age old part of our justice system - in true guardian fashion its the potential effect the ethnic minorities foisted on us that concern them most.
Jury trials are not the cause of the backlog. Furthermore, the government’s proposals will disproportionately impact Black complainants, witnesses and defendants. The random selection of jurors from local communities ensures that they are far more likely to reflect the cultural heritage of people appearing in court.
Who says this is the greatest concern? Why, of course, its one of those who've infiltrated our justice ststem and hollowed it out, of course:
In 2025, there were only five circuit judges who identified as Black or Black British. Curtailing jury trial is bound to add to what David Lammy described in 2017 as a “chronic trust deficit” towards the criminal justice system.
Nic Madge Retired circuit judge, St Albans, Hertfordshire
Youve done enough, Nic, enjoy retirment.
The toy started with the star chamber of the do called single justice system. The single injustice system would be a better description. Anyone who believes that a defence being sent to the prosecutors, and expecting that to be forwarded to the 'impartial' magistrate so that justice would truly be served, deserves to live in the same fantasy world that people like Lammy and Milliband inhabit.
ReplyDeleteSlightly off topic, there was a report of left wing loonies being taught to deceive the jury selection procedure, so that they would be elected, and then declare not guilty verdicts on offences which they politically agree with.
Together with a continuation of the SJS, Pte Frazer will have been proven right all along.
Penseivat
There was little evidence of any sort of jury selection the last time I did jury service - I got the distinct impression inf you had a pulse, you were in!
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