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Speakers' Corner

Today's issue ... Trial without jury

Tuesday, 21 Jun 2005 08:48
The Attorney General today announced plans to abolish trial by jury in complex fraud cases.

The Criminal Justice Act allows prosecution lawyers to ask for a case to be heard in the absence of a jury on the grounds that the evidence would be too complicated and today Lord Goldsmith set out under what circumstances this could apply.

The move comes in the wake of the £60 million Jubilee Line fraud case, which collapsed after 21 months as a result of problems relating to the jury. Lord Goldsmith outlined the alternative to the jury trial preferred by ministers in such cases - namely cases being heard by judges who have specialist knowledge of that area.

In a concession to push the legislation through, both Houses of Parliament must approve the measure before it can be passed.

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