"Labour MPs are pushing for specialist courts dedicated to sexual offences, arguing that these courts could effectively address the backlog of cases without removing the right to jury trials."
"The proposed amendments aim to maintain the option for defendants to choose jury trials, countering the government's plan to limit this right in certain cases."
"Ministers assert that the changes are essential to speed up the processing of sexual cases through the crown courts, yet critics believe sexual offences are being used to justify the bill."
"Charlotte Nichols has expressed concerns that the government's approach weaponizes sexual offences to advance their legislative agenda, undermining the rights of defendants."
Labour MPs aim to counteract plans to limit jury trials in England and Wales by proposing specialist courts for sexual offences with fixed trial dates. They argue that these courts could address court backlogs without eliminating jury trial rights. The government anticipates potential rebellions from Labour MPs when the courts and tribunals bill is reviewed. Proposed amendments include maintaining jury trial options for defendants and establishing time-limited specialist courts for sexual and domestic abuse cases, despite government claims that changes are necessary to expedite case processing.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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