Government’s court reforms defended as lawyers criticise plans

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJustice Secretary David Lammy is defending contentious proposals within the Courts and Tribunals Bill, aimed at addressing the significant backlog in the criminal justice system. The government's plans include restricting access to jury trials for certain offences and empowering magistrates to impose longer sentences, increasing the maximum from 12 to 18 months. Mr Lammy argues these changes are vital for the system's continued operation, stating that it has “fallen behind the world it now serves” and expressing hope for a reduced backlog by the next general election. The proposals face a significant rebellion from Labour MPs, led by Karl Turner, and strong opposition from thousands of legal professionals, including the Bar Council, who argue they erode constitutional principles. Critics contend that underfunding, not juries, is the primary cause of the crisis, and that judge-only trials offer negligible gains while posing substantial risks to the justice system. In fullDavid Lammy defends controversial reforms to jury trials amid Labour MPs backlashThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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