Trial by jury

That this House expresses its grave concern at the Government’s proposals to abolish trial by jury in most cases other than serious crimes, such as murder, rape and manslaughter; notes that trial by jury is a centuries-old constitutional safeguard and cornerstone of English liberty; further notes that a jury of ordinary citizens provides a vital check on state power, ensuring that guilt must be proved not only to a judge but to one’s peers; believes that juries enhance fairness and impartiality through collective deliberation, bringing the common sense of the community to bear, reflecting local moral standards and equity; recognises that jury service educates citizens in civic responsibility and the rule of law, and helps sustain public confidence in the justice system; further acknowledges that the diverse life experiences of jurors enhance fact-finding, particularly in assessing credibility and complex evidence; is deeply troubled by the prospect that concentrating decision-making power in a single judge risks politicising the judiciary and undermining its independence; recalls that the protection of the lawful judgment of peers dates back to Magna Carta and remains a bedrock of the UK's legal tradition; and therefore urges the Government to explore alternative measures to address the Crown Court backlog, such as greater resourcing, process reform and innovation, rather than dismantling the jury system, which would constitute a profound assault on individual liberty, heritage and the balance of the legal system.