Leveson Review Proposes Ending Jury Trials for Some Offences

A government-commissioned review led by Sir Brian Leveson has proposed major reforms to the UK criminal justice system amid a record backlog of nearly 77,000 Crown Court cases, with some trials delayed until 2029. The report recommends ending the automatic right to a jury trial for offences carrying a maximum sentence of two years, such as assaulting emergency workers, certain sex offences, and minor fraud, shifting these cases to judges or a new court division. Other proposals include expanding out-of-court resolutions, increasing sentence discounts for early guilty pleas, and diverting low-level offenders from the courts. Leveson argues these changes are needed to avoid systemic collapse and could save up to 9,000 court sitting days annually. Legal professionals have raised concerns about undermining the jury system and caution that without substantial investment, the backlog could remain for at least five more years. The government has pledged to consider all recommendations, with a response expected in the autumn before any legislation.