UK axes jury trials for shorter sentences, Lammy confirms

David Lammy has announced that in England and Wales jury trials will no longer be used for cases likely to carry sentences of three years or less.

The plan establishes new “swift courts” where a judge alone will decide verdicts in many so-called “either-way” offences – such as theft, minor assault and lower-level burglary – freeing juries for only the most serious crimes like murder, rape or manslaughter.

Supporters argue the reform is needed to clear a backlog of nearly 80,000 unresolved Crown Court cases; critics warn it undermines an ancient pillar of justice and could increase risks of unfair trials.