The CLSA is very concerned about the Government’s announcement to remove the right to jury trials for a large proportion of cases. Trial by jury is a fundamental part of our justice system and the removal of this centuries old right is a significant change and one that should not be underestimated. We are concerned that this may disproportionately affect defendants from low socio-economic backgrounds and those from ethnic minorities. The erosion of the public’s right to jury trial should not be taken lightly and we believe that it will undermine the public’s trust in the criminal justice system. Once we lose this right we will not get it back. Whilst the CLSA recognises that there are significant delays in the crown court, this is due to reduction in court sitting days and underfunding in the system by successive governments. This is what needs to be addressed urgently.
