Jury Trials: A cornerstone of justice we cannot afford to lose
Garden Court Chambers is unequivocally opposed to proposals to abolish or limit the right to trial by jury. We will not stand by while our system of criminal justice is dismantled.
Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our justice system, ensuring that serious criminal allegations are judged by our peers, members of our community.
Any removal or restriction of jury trial would weaken those foundations of transparency and fairness, particularly for the most vulnerable defendants and complainants. It would also undermine respect for the criminal process and the rule of law at a time when confidence in the legal system is being threatened.
The backlog should be addressed through proper investment, not destruction. We urge the Government to reaffirm its commitment to trial by jury and to engage with us to address the backlog of cases in the Crown Courts before contemplating reforms of such detrimental constitutional significance.
In early November, over 100 barristers, solicitors and NGOs wrote to the Lord Chancellor urging the Government to protect the right to trial by jury.
