British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has confirmed a package of “reforms” to be introduced within the criminal court system in England and Wales. The proposals include establishing new “swift courts,” where judges will decide verdicts alone without a jury, for many cases.
The reforms target the existing Crown Court system facing a backlog exceeding 78,000 cases. Lammy stated that these changes would require legislation from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government and would take time to implement. The measure involves judge-alone decisions in trials carrying sentences of three years or less.
These plans draw on recommendations from Lord Chief Justice Sir Brian Leveson, justifying them by the current case backlog pressure.
Separately from these swift courts, officials announced that the Ministry of Justice intends to grant lay magistrates increased sentencing powers. The current cap will be raised to 18 months imprisonment, with potential future increases considered.
Critics have strongly condemned the reforms. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick branded them “twisted,” arguing they would deprive British citizens of traditional liberties by removing the jury system for lesser offenses.
Some judges and legal professionals also voiced concerns. Judge Jane Miller KC emphasized juries’ value for their perceived objectivity, while former Law Society president Richard Atkinson suggested that Labour’s reforms only paper over deeper issues within the justice system. Many worry about potential miscarriages of justice or erosion of public trust when citizens are not part of determining a verdict.
The swift court proposal specifically eliminates jury trials in thousands of cases, sparking significant debate about judicial traditions and systemic pressures currently affecting legal proceedings across England and Wales.
