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Why is the UK considering judge-only trials?
The UK faces a huge backlog of nearly 80,000 cases, which delays justice for many. To speed things up, the government is looking at adopting judge-only trials for cases with sentences of three years or less, inspired by Canada's system. The goal is to make courts more efficient and clear the backlog faster.
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How would judge-only trials work for minor cases?
In judge-only trials, a single judge hears the case instead of a jury. This is proposed mainly for less serious cases, where the judge would decide guilt or innocence. The idea is that this process is quicker and less resource-intensive, helping to clear the court backlog more efficiently.
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What are the main arguments for and against judge-only trials?
Supporters say judge-only trials can speed up court proceedings and reduce delays. Critics argue that removing juries could undermine fairness, especially for minority and working-class defendants, and may lead to biased decisions. Many legal experts and opposition politicians are concerned about the impact on justice and equality.
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Could judge-only trials really reduce court backlogs?
Proponents believe that adopting judge-only trials could significantly cut the backlog, potentially resolving many cases faster. However, opponents warn that it might not be a quick fix and could create new issues around fairness and public confidence in the justice system.
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Are judge-only trials used in other countries?
Yes, countries like Canada already use judge-only trials, especially for less serious cases. They report that this system often results in faster case resolution and less strain on courts. The UK is considering adopting similar practices to modernize its justice system.
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What are the concerns about fairness with judge-only trials?
Many critics worry that removing juries could lead to less impartial decisions, especially for vulnerable groups. Juries are seen as a safeguard against potential bias, and their absence might impact the fairness of trials, particularly in complex or controversial cases.