Barristers voice opposition to cutting number of jury trials

BARRISTERS from across Britain and Ireland have said they are "deeply concerned" by the Government's plans to curb the number of jury trials.

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The "Four Bars", the bodies representing barristers across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, have weighed in on the reforms being spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy.

Mr Lammy, the Justice Secretary, wants to limit jury trials to only the most serious offences, and those with a likely sentence of more than three years in prison.

Ministers hope that reducing the number of jury trials will help to clear the backlog of cases in the criminal courts system but the plans have been met with widespread criticism.