Justice Secretary David Lammy has unveiled a radical plan to abolish jury trials for a significant category of criminal cases in England and Wales. The proposal, announced on Tuesday 02 December 2025, would see defendants in 'either way' offences likely to receive a sentence of three years or less tried by a judge alone in new 'swift courts'.
The End of an 'Ancient Right' for Lesser Offences?
This major justice reform targets the backlog crippling the courts. Lammy stated the move is essential to manage a projected caseload of 100,000 cases by 2028. He argued that replacing juries with single judges in these specific cases would deliver justice 20% faster. The change would apply to 'either way' offences, which are currently triable either in a magistrates' court or the Crown Court before a jury.
Under the new system, these cases would be heard in the new swift courts. A key feature, according to the Justice Secretary, would be enhanced transparency, as judges would be required to provide public reasoning for their verdicts, a step not typically associated with jury decisions.
Swift Justice vs. Fundamental Liberty
The announcement has ignited immediate political controversy. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch launched a fierce critique, branding the proposal unnecessary and harmful. She defended trial by jury as an 'ancient right' and argued against its reduction.
Lammy's justification centres on the stark reality of the justice system's delays, highlighted by related issues such as rape victims facing years-long waits for trials. The reform is pitched as a pragmatic solution to unclog the courts and provide quicker resolutions for victims and defendants alike.
What Happens Next?
The plan signals the government's intent to pursue sweeping changes to the machinery of justice. While the promise of swifter outcomes may appeal to many frustrated by delays, the move is set to face significant legal and parliamentary scrutiny. The debate will fundamentally centre on whether the efficiency gains of swift courts outweigh the historic constitutional principle of trial by one's peers for a wide range of criminal acts.
If implemented, this would represent one of the most substantial changes to the English and Welsh trial system in modern times, shifting the balance between speed and a centuries-old legal tradition.
