politics
Slashing jury trials could clear courts backlog within a decade, says Lammy

Slashing jury trials could clear courts backlog within a decade, says Lammy

11 Ocak 2026The Guardian

🤖AI Özeti

David Lammy, the Lord Chancellor, has proposed that reducing the number of jury trials in England and Wales could significantly alleviate the court backlog of nearly 80,000 cases within a decade. In an exclusive interview, he urged MPs and the public to support a shift towards judge-only trials, similar to those in Canada. This proposal comes amid a potential rebellion among Labour MPs regarding the changes.

💡AI Analizi

The suggestion to replace jury trials with judge-only proceedings raises critical questions about the balance between efficiency and the fundamental rights of defendants. While the backlog in the court system is a pressing issue, the implications for public trust in the legal system and the perceived fairness of trials must be carefully weighed. Lammy's call for reform reflects a growing urgency to address systemic inefficiencies, but it also risks alienating segments of the population who value the jury system as a cornerstone of justice.

📚Bağlam ve Tarihsel Perspektif

The current court backlog has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to delays in justice that have raised concerns among legal experts and the public. Lammy's proposal aims to streamline the judicial process, drawing on international examples, but it faces opposition from within his party and the broader legal community.

This article reflects the opinions and proposals of David Lammy and does not necessarily represent the views of all legal experts or political figures.