David Lammy is set to unveil contentious plans today aimed at revamping the court system to eliminate long waits for justice for victims. The Deputy Prime Minister, who also serves as the Justice Secretary, is anticipated to introduce groundbreaking proposals to restrict defendants’ rights to jury trials, a move criticized by some lawyers as an attack on freedom.
The proposed changes would limit jury involvement to cases of murder, rape, or manslaughter, while the majority of cases would be presided over by a judge alone. Prior to the announcement in Parliament, Lammy emphasized the importance of prioritizing victims by announcing a funding allocation of over £550 million for essential support services over the next three years.
This substantial financial package will be directed towards specialized services offering vital support such as counseling and guidance for victims and witnesses navigating court proceedings. Lammy emphasized the urgency of addressing the backlog of nearly 80,000 cases awaiting trial in Crown Courts, causing victims to endure anxiety over trial dates set years in advance.
In response to the review by Sir Brian Leveson recommending limitations on jury trials for serious offenses, the government is poised to extend these measures, potentially shifting numerous cases to be heard solely by a judge. Some legal experts caution that this approach could lead to a form of “star chamber” justice akin to historical practices.
Richard Atkinson of the Law Society expressed concerns about the potential implications of reducing jury trials beyond the Leveson recommendations. Meanwhile, Victims’ Commissioner Claire Waxman OBE welcomed the funding allocation for victim services as a step towards stability but highlighted that additional measures are required to address the broader challenges facing the sector.
The initiatives proposed by Lammy aim to streamline the court system and expedite justice delivery, ensuring that victims receive the support and resolution they deserve.