Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner strongly opposed to Government’s plans to scrap Jury trials

Hertfordshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner has expressed his strong opposition to the Government’s proposal to abolish Jury trials in all but the most serious cases, as announced by Justice Secretary David Lammy to Parliament yesterday.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards has warned that the move risks undermining centuries-old principles of justice, weakening public confidence and damaging the legitimacy of the criminal justice system.

Police & Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards said:

“The right to be judged by a jury of your peers has been a safeguard in the criminal justice system for hundreds of years. It is a fundamental constitutional protection, not an inconvenience to be swept aside at the whim of a Minister.

“Juries provide important transparency and independence from the state. They increase the chance of a defendant being judged by someone who understands their life. And they ensure that justice is seen to be done fairly.

“A number of years ago, I was called to serve on a jury. I saw first hand the inefficiencies and delays in the Court system that have a significant impact on victims. But none were the jury’s fault – 12 men and women turned up on time every day and did their civic duty.

“Instead of dismantling historic British liberties, the Government should open Courts that currently sit empty some days and fix the inefficiencies within the system that let victims, witnesses and people working in the criminal justice system down”.

For more information please contact:

Rachel Stone, Hertfordshire PCC

Tel: 0794 9279782 Email: [email protected]

Please visit our website at: www.hertscommissioner.org