PCC responds to Government decision to scrap juries for crimes with sentences of less than three years

Justice secretary David Lammy has today confirmed the details of plans to scrap juries in criminal trials for all but the most serious cases. 

New ‘Swift Courts’ will see cases with a likely sentence of three years or less heard by a judge alone.

Plans to increase the number of days hearings are heard (court sitting days), provide additional funding for legal aid advocates, and encourage more people into the legal profession have been broadly welcomed by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.

However, the PCC wants the Government to further by removing the cap completely on court sitting days, whilst moving away from its move to massively restrict jury trials.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “With victims and witnesses at the heart of my work, I have consistently called for more investment into the criminal justice system so some of the measures announced today are a welcome step forward. However, we need radical change not tinkering around the edges.

“The proposals set out aren’t bold enough, and the Government has made a backwards step with the removal of the long-standing tradition of jury trials. Despite the fact the Government admits itself that only 3% of cases are heard by them.”