The victim’s commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman, has warned against a potential government U-turn on changes to jury trials, stating that it risks breaking a justice system already on the brink of collapse. Waxman argues that the proposed reforms, including a new criminal court where judges will hear cases on their own and magistrate-only hearings for offences with a maximum sentence of two years or less, are crucial to drastically reducing the backlog of cases.
Waxman expressed disappointment that the changes to jury trials had generated more “noise” than other plans, such as the release of prisoners recalled to prison early and the abolition of most short prison sentences. She warned that the changes in the sentencing bill risked undermining a key Labour manifesto promise to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.
The victim’s commissioner acknowledged the strength of feeling in the legal profession over jury trials but stressed that an “obstructive and unhelpful” discourse could plunge the system into deeper chaos. Waxman argued that if the government were to row back on the proposed reforms, the backlog of cases could reach 100,000 or even 125,000, which she described as a public safety issue.
Waxman highlighted the devastating impact of court backlogs, crumbling courtrooms, and adjourned trials on victims, stating that some have even considered taking their own lives due to the delays. She expressed disappointment in the state of the justice system, saying she is proud of the people who work in it, but not the system itself.
The victim’s commissioner also raised concerns about the sentencing bill, which aims to reduce prison overcrowding by releasing the vast majority of offenders recalled to prison after 56 days and scrapping most short prison sentences. Waxman warned that these measures could undermine the government’s pledge to halve violence against women and girls, and she sought urgent clarification from ministers on the potential risks to public safety.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson acknowledged the crisis inherited by the government, stating that failing to act would have resulted in a complete breakdown of law and order, putting the public, including women and girls, at even greater risk. The spokesperson said the government had no choice but to introduce the reforms.
As the justice system navigates these turbulent times, the government faces the delicate task of balancing public safety, victim support, and the efficiency of the courts. The victim’s commissioner’s warnings underscore the need for a comprehensive and carefully considered approach to these critical reforms.
