Jury trial cuts could clear court backlog within a decade, says Lammy

Lord chancellor David Lammy said reducing the number of jury trials could clear a backlog of nearly 80,000 cases within a decade; the proposals, influenced by aspects of Canada’s system, have prompted concern from dozens of Labour MPs and legal organisations.

David Lammy, the lord chancellor, has urged MPs to back plans to reduce the number of jury trials in England and Wales to tackle a large court backlog. He said the backlog is nearly 80,000 cases and argued that Canada-style judge-only trials for many lower‑level offences could clear the backlog within a decade. The proposals include limiting some jury trials and changing how certain cases are heard, and they have prompted debate within Labour and the legal profession. Key points: - Lammy has said cutting jury trials could reduce a backlog he described as almost 80,000 cases and that the backlog could otherwise grow further. - The proposals would limit the availability of jury trials for many lower‑level offences and make other changes to how those cases are handled. - Dozens of Labour MPs and legal bodies have raised concerns, and one Labour MP has already voted against the proposals. - Lawyers and some MPs have called for a temporary or review mechanism for any changes, and Lammy declined on two occasions to rule out such a clause. Summary: The proposals aim to reduce trial delays by shifting many lower‑level cases away from juries, but they have drawn significant concern from MPs and legal groups about access to justice and implementation. Undetermined at this time.