David Lammy has upheld the decision to eliminate jury trials and introduce ‘swift courts’ for numerous cases annually. The Deputy PM is facing criticism for the proposed overhaul of the UK’s aging justice system. This move prompted Labour MP Karl Turner to threaten resignation and trigger a by-election unless the controversial reforms are abandoned.

Notably, legal professionals have expressed disapproval of the initiative, which involves judges issuing verdicts in cases where defendants might receive sentences of three years or less. Drawing from his observations of a similar system in Canada, Justice Secretary Mr. Lammy emphasized in an article for The Mirror that the changes would significantly benefit victims.

He highlighted that judges in Canada reported expedited trials compared to those with juries, sometimes halving trial durations, which he believes can be life-changing for victims. Mr. Lammy asserted that the proposed changes are necessary to address the backlog of nearly 120,000 cases projected in England and Wales’ crown courts by the decade’s end.

The government’s strategy entails eliminating jury trials for offenses carrying potential sentences of three years or less, excluding serious crimes like murder and rape. Additionally, the proposed measures involve restricting the right to appeal a magistrates’ court judgment, with the legislative framework for the change yet to be established.

During a recent Commons vote, Mr. Turner opposed the plans and indicated willingness to resign in Hull East, where he held a narrow majority, to provoke a by-election. He recounted being wrongly accused in his past as an antiques dealer, opting for a jury trial, which resulted in the case being dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Mr. Turner’s principled stance has led him to challenge party leader Keir Starmer and express strong opposition to the government’s direction on judicial reforms. The plan anticipates a 50% reduction in cases going to juries, following recommendations from retired judge Sir Brian Leveson for a new courts division with a judge and two magistrates.

Moreover, the government has extended the proposal to include judge-only trials, eliciting varied responses from stakeholders. Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman emphasized the necessity of reevaluating the court system, highlighting the prolonged wait times for justice, particularly for survivors of crimes like rape.

Criticism from legal experts, including Brett Dixon from the Law Society of England and Wales, has been directed at the government’s proposals, citing concerns about the erosion of the fundamental right to a trial by peers. The debate surrounding these reforms continues to intensify, underlining the need for thorough examination and deliberation on the future of the justice system.