"We are deeply concerned that our extensive experience is simply being ignored. As is the well-known and troubling reality that judicial decisions lack the disparity of 12 jurors."
"The erosion of the right to jury trial will break the increasingly thin connection between the state and ordinary people, and risks undermining social cohesion and trust in the criminal justice system. Once that trust disappears, fears of tyrannical governments increase and the faith in justice evaporates for good."
More than 100 lawyers wrote to the Ministry of Justice expressing significant concerns about plans to severely restrict jury trials. The government is expected to announce changes imminently that have divided the judiciary and senior lawyers. The letter, signed by 23 king's counsel among others, warned that Sir Brian Leveson's recommendations would not reduce the court backlog and called judge-alone trials for all but the most serious offences an irremediable error that would end an ancient right for little benefit. Lawyers reported alarm at a lack of response and said the Ministry intends to go further. The Criminal Bar Association warned the proposals risk undermining social cohesion and public trust. A leaked letter proposed juries only for offences with possible sentences over five years, with judges presiding alone for other serious offences. Magistrates' powers are also to be increased.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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