Jury trials facing the axe to ease record court backlog in once-in-a-generation shake-up

In a once-in-a-generation overhaul of the legal system, jury trials are being eliminated in favor of expediting court proceedings.

Some less serious cases would instead be handled by a judge and two magistrates.

It comes as the backlog of cases in crown courts has risen to a record high of 73,105, according to figures from the Ministry of Justice.

An further 333,549 cases involving victims—including survivors of sexual assault and severe violence—are stalled in magistrates courts, awaiting resolution for years.

Sir Brian Leveson, a retired judge, will lead an inquiry into the establishment of intermediate courts with a judge and magistrates supervising proceedings.

Cases having maximum jail terms of two years will be heard by them.

The most serious offenses, like rape and murder, would still be tried by jury.

Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated: We need a once-in-a-generation reform of a court system that is overburdened in order to implement the government’s ambitious Plan for Change and make our streets safer.

Finding audacious, creative solutions that will expedite justice, create safer streets, and make it abundantly evident to offenders that they will soon be held accountable for their conduct is what we owe to victims.

However, one attorney likened the establishment of an intermediate court to building a new ship while the old one is sinking.