Scrapping jury trials will cost us all
For hundreds of years in Britain, juries have been the cornerstone of the justice system. The right to trial by one's peers ensures not only that justice is done, but that it is seen to be done. Yet the Labour government is seeking to water down this ancient, and vital, feature of criminal court cases. Juries help ensure that sentences are proportionate to the crime; in some cases, juries acquit because they consider the charges unjust The Public Bill Committee is currently scrutinising Government's proposed Courts and Tribunals Bill. It is scheduled to report to Parliament at the end of April on the bill’s details, after which a final reading and a vote to approve or reject it are expected in May.
