The vast majority of Crown Court trials will continue to be decided by a jury
Government revises Courts Bill to protect jury trials while speeding up the justice system.
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me or come to see me about the Courts and Tribunal Bill. I’ve listened carefully to the concerns people have raised.
The Crown Court backlog has reached more than 80,000 cases, with around 24,000 waiting a year or more. Behind every delayed case is a victim, witness or family left waiting for answers.
The Government has listened to victims, legal experts and MPs, and will not go ahead with the proposed Crown Court Bench Division. Almost all defendants facing a Crown Court trial will still have a jury.
The Bill will still give magistrates the final decision on whether eligible cases are heard in their court or the Crown Court, based on the seriousness of the case. It will also strengthen magistrates’ sentencing powers and reform the appeals process to help cases move through the courts faster.
We need a justice system that works for victims and gets cases heard sooner. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to share their views with me.