Louise Casey, the Commissioner For Victims of Crime (shouldn't that be 'tsar'?) has reportedly demanded a reduction in jury trials.When I first saw this headline - it struck me as yet one more assault on our justice system from Brussels - but not so!
We have the only justice system in the world where the accused can opt out of summary trial (by magistrates), on 'either way' offences.
This is quite stupid. Magistrates alone should decide whether non indictable offences should be sent for Crown Court trial.
Solicitors take the Crown Court route as they know that chances of acquittal by duping jurors are greatly enhanced.
The Crown Courts are therefore clogged up.
What is more - 'Justice delayed is justice denied'.
Commissioner - well said!
