The government has today announced that it will not be using existing powers to remove juries in fraud trials in the face of sustained criticism from the Law Society and other bodies.

The government has conceded that it does not have full parliamentary support to use section 43 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to remove trial by jury in fraud cases. The Law Society believes the availability of trial by jury in all serious criminal cases is a fundamental right, vital to the rule of law.

Kevin Martin, Law Society president, insists that the proposals were a misguided attack on our justice system:

”The government has accepted there is strong opposition, and compromise cannot be reached. We will continue to oppose this proposal if it emerges again under a different parliamentary guise. A jury is essential to ensure democratic accountability in the criminal courts. Juries provide a barrier against oppressive and politically motivated prosecutions. They enhance the transparency of the court process and promote public confidence in the criminal justice system. This is a good example of the government taking notice of the stance adopted by the Law Society in this vital area.”

For more information, call the Law Society Press Office on 020 7320 5884.