Category : Search result: criminal justice backlog


Victims' chief warns system is broken, backs jury trial cuts

New Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman warns victims' voices must be heard in debate over cutting jury trials. She says radical change is needed to end court backlog leaving victims waiting years for justice. Read her urgent plea.

Nine-year court delay as key witness dies before trial

Becky Sheeran faces a nine-year wait for her GBH trial, with her mother, a key witness, dying before court. She warns of a 'broken' justice system causing severe mental health impacts and deterring crime reporting.

Scotland abolishes controversial 'not proven' verdict

Major reforms to Scotland's justice system take effect, abolishing the unique 'not proven' verdict. A victim of sexual assault shares her story as campaigners welcome the change, while critics warn of a 'terrible' loss. Read the full story.

Judges urge raising criminal age from 10 to 14

Former Supreme Court President Lady Hale leads calls to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14, citing neuroscience and international norms. The government opposes the change.

Lammy accused of misusing rape case figures for jury reforms

Justice Secretary David Lammy faces a major backlash from senior barristers and Labour MPs over his plans to slash jury trials, accused of misrepresenting data on rape case collapses. Discover the brewing rebellion and potential barrister strikes.

Jury trials to be scrapped for minor criminal cases

Justice Secretary David Lammy plans to end jury trials for cases likely to result in under three-year sentences. Will this clear court backlogs or is it just a cost-saving measure? Explore the implications.

Labour's plan to slash jury trials sparks outcry

Justice Secretary David Lammy plans to halve jury trials in England and Wales. Critics warn this dismantles a pillar of British justice without evidence it will clear the 78,000-case backlog. Read the full analysis.

Jury trials scrapped in some cases to tackle court backlog

Justice Secretary David Lammy announces plans to scrap jury trials for some offences and create 'swift courts' to tackle the record crown court backlog of over 78,000 cases. Critics warn it erodes a fundamental right.

Jury trials scrapped in bid to tackle court backlog

Justice Secretary David Lammy announces plans to scrap jury trials for some offences and create 'swift courts' to tackle record crown court delays. Critics warn it erodes a fundamental right.

KC Slams Lammy's Plan to Scrap Jury Trials for Most Cases

Justice Secretary David Lammy's leaked plan to restrict jury trials faces fierce criticism from Mary Prior KC, who warns it strips a fundamental right and ignores chronic underfunding. Listen to the full podcast episode.

Lammy's £550m plan to slash crown court backlog

Justice Secretary David Lammy announces £550m for victims and radical plans to reduce jury trials, aiming to tackle a crown court backlog set to hit 100,000 cases. Read the full details.

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