Scrapping jury trials is ‘perilous’ and like taking ‘flamethrower to justice system’
Tory peer Lord Gove claims Justice Secretary David Lammy’s plans to eradicate trial by jury is wrong because it’s an ‘ancient liberty’ and a ‘cornerstone’ of our freedom
Former justice secretary Michael Gove has slammed plans to eradicate trial by jury.
The Tory peer claims Justice Secretary David Lammy’s plans amount to taking a “flamethrower to the criminal justice system” to “scorch the earth”. Lord Gove admitted the backlog is “horrendous” and is a “living hell for victims” who have to wait for years for cases to be heard.
But he said such a move is wrong because “trial by jury is an ancient liberty which is a cornerstone of our architecture of freedom”. He warned that reducing the role and voice of ordinary citizens in public life sets a “perilous trend”.
The former senior cabinet member said juries provide an “additional safeguard when laws may no longer command public approval or be at risk of overstrict interpretation”. He accepted that the justice system is a “tangled, incoherent and misaligned mess of underperforming elements”, but this won’t fix it.
Mr Lammy is expected to announce major reforms this week that will “put victims front and centre” of the criminal justice system.
Jury trials are expected to be restricted to rape, murder and manslaughter under the new plans.
Mr Lammy, the Deputy PM, said: “Behind every one of the thousands of cases waiting to go to trial is a human life put on hold. For many victims, justice delayed is justice denied.
“This Government chooses a system that works for, not against, victims. One that finally gives brave survivors the justice they deserve.”
The Ministry of Justice said the plans to speed up justice and cut the record-high crown courts backlog will save victims “from years of torment and delay”.
Tory shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Instead of depriving British citizens of ancient liberties, David Lammy should get his own department in order. The right to be tried by our peers has existed for more than 800 years – it is not to be casually discarded when the spreadsheets turn red.
“Lammy should pull his finger out and get the courts sitting around the clock to get the backlog down.”
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