The government has opened up public consultations on the proposals until next month
The government has put forward proposals to make two major modifications to jury trials that are intended to boost court timeliness.
According to Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith, the first change would “increase the offence threshold at which a defendant can decide to have their case heard by a jury”. The second would extend the time period within which a defendant should determine whether they prefer a jury trial or a judge-alone trial.
“Currently, defendants have the right to choose a jury trial when they are charged with a criminal offence that carries a maximum penalty of two years or more in prison. I’m considering whether the threshold is set at the right place”, Goldsmith said. “Some defendants are also electing jury trials by default because it is easier to change their mind later in the process, but may not necessarily be the best option for their case”.
The government has opened up the pitches for public consultation until 11 October.
“We need to seriously consider these changes as if enacted, all those involved in trials will not have to wait as long for cases to be resolved, allowing them to move on with their lives sooner”, he said.
The government has published a discussion document with an outline of the proposals on the Ministry of Justice website.
“One of the biggest drivers of delays in our courts, particularly the District Court, is jury trials”, Goldsmith pointed out. “This government is committed to reducing delays in the courts, so people can access timely and fair justice, and move on with their lives”.
