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Lammy Proposes Ending Juries For Most Criminal Trials To Tackle 78,000-Case Backlog

08:59 PM, 12/08/2025
Lammy Proposes Ending Juries For Most Criminal Trials To Tackle 78,000-Case Backlog

Justice Secretary David Lammy has proposed ending jury trials for most criminal cases, keeping juries only for rape, murder, manslaughter and other 'public interest' offences, and creating a new judge-only 'bench division'. The Ministry of Justice cites a backlog of more than 78,000 cases and says judge-only trials would speed up outcomes for victims and defendants. Lawyers and civil liberties groups warn the change could weaken a core safeguard of the justice system and argue the backlog stems from chronic court underfunding rather than juries.

British Justice Secretary David Lammy has proposed ending jury trials for the majority of criminal cases, reserving juries only for offences such as rape, murder, manslaughter and other matters deemed to be in the 'public interest'. Under the plan, many cases that currently go before juries would instead be heard by a new judge-only 'bench division'.

The Ministry of Justice points to a backlog of more than 78,000 cases and says judge-only trials would reduce delays and deliver faster outcomes for victims and defendants. Mr Lammy argues the change could help unclog courts and speed up the administration of justice.

Arguments From Supporters

Proponents say a judge-led system could streamline proceedings, cut waiting times and make better use of limited judicial resources. Supporters emphasise the need to address lengthy delays that can compound the trauma experienced by victims and prolong uncertainty for accused people.

Critics' Concerns

Many lawyers, legal experts and civil liberties groups warn that removing juries would erode a long-standing safeguard of the criminal justice system. They argue jury trials provide community oversight, bring diverse perspectives to fact-finding and act as a check on state power.

Broader Context

Critics also contend the backlog is primarily the result of chronic underfunding, staffing shortages and systemic inefficiencies in the courts — problems that may not be resolved simply by replacing juries with judge-only trials. The proposal is likely to prompt wider debate about resources, fairness, and the future structure of England's criminal justice system as ministers consider their next steps.

Bottom line: The proposal seeks to speed up case processing but raises fundamental questions about public participation in justice, the protection of defendants' rights, and whether funding, rather than the jury system, is the principal cause of delays.

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