UK Courts Consider Fewer Jury Trials to Prevent System Collapse

Proposed reforms in the UK may lead to fewer jury trials to prevent a collapse of the court system and address a backlog of cases. The government is considering this move as the Crown Court caseload has almost doubled pre-pandemic levels. Sir Brian Leveson, chair of the independent review of criminal courts, suggests settling more cases out of court and restructuring the system.

The aim is to reduce the backlog, which includes cases scheduled for 2029. The backlog in England and Wales has surpassed 75,000 cases for the first time, reaching 76,957 by March's end. Sir Brian's recommendations aim to save around 9,000 sitting days annually by diverting cases to magistrates' courts or a proposed Crown Court Bench Division.

Juries would be reserved for serious cases, with more use of cautions to divert cases from court. Offences with a maximum sentence of two years or less could face lower penalties. A new Crown Court Bench Division would handle less serious and complex cases. The threshold for criminal damage as a summary offence may increase from £5,000 to £10,000.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood will consider the recommendations for potential legislative changes in the autumn. The Lord Chancellor aims to reduce the backlog and provide swifter justice for victims through bold reforms.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley supports the need for radical steps to prevent a system collapse, emphasizing the importance of functioning courts for victims and parties involved in trials.