Is the UK getting rid of jury trials?
Asked by: Mrs. Concepcion Hagenes | Last update: April 24, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (25 votes)
No, the UK isn't getting rid of all jury trials, but Justice Secretary David Lammy announced plans in late 2025 to scrap them for many less serious "either-way" offenses (like theft, ABH) that carry likely sentences of under three years, aiming to tackle massive court backlogs by shifting these cases to magistrates or judge-only trials. While serious crimes (murder, rape) remain with juries, critics worry this significantly erodes the right to trial by jury and isn't a complete fix for systemic issues, with new legislation expected in 2026.
Is the UK going to stop jury trials?
Jury trials in England and Wales for crimes that carry a likely sentence of less than three years will be scrapped, the justice secretary has announced. The reforms to the justice system include creating "swift courts" under the government's plan to tackle unprecedented delays in the court system.
Did the UK cancel trials by jury?
Recommended Stories. The upshot is that jury trials for defendants facing relatively short custodial sentences – those of up to three years – will be scrapped in England and Wales. The reforms will not extend to Scotland, which has its own legal system, or Northern Ireland.
Is jury duty still a thing in the UK?
Anyone aged 18 or over on the electoral register can be summoned for jury service. You can apply to be excused if you're aged 71 or over. In these circumstances you can apply for an exemption up until the date you attend court, but it may be helpful to let the court know as soon as possible.
Are there jury trials in the UK?
As such, as of 2021, only fraud, malicious prosecution, and false imprisonment still carry the automatic right of a jury trial.
Why is the UK government trying to scrap juries for some trials? | BBC Newscast
Which country has no jury duty?
A number of countries do not have jury systems. Some examples include Chile, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and South Africa. A judge or panel of judges may render verdicts in these countries. Several countries officially abolished the use of juries, such as South Africa.
Can I say no to jury duty in the UK?
If it's not possible for you to do jury service in the next 12 months, you can ask to be excused. You'll only be allowed to do this in exceptional circumstances, for example: you have a serious illness or disability that prevents you from doing jury service.
Can you talk about jury duty afterwards in the UK?
Even after the trial is over, you MUST NOT DISCUSS what was said or done by you or any other member of the jury while the jury was in the DELIBERATING ROOM trying to reach a verdict, unless it is for the purpose of an official investigation into the conduct of any juror.
What is the best excuse to avoid jury duty?
The best ways to get out of jury duty involve claiming legitimate exemptions (like being over 70, a primary caregiver, or a student) or demonstrating undue hardship (serious medical issues, financial strain, or prior jury service), usually by contacting the court with supporting documentation like a doctor's note or employer letter, or by being honest about biases during voir dire (jury selection) so attorneys strike you; however, making extreme false statements can backfire, and the court always makes the final decision.
Do all 12 jurors have to agree in the UK?
In an ideal world, a jury will reach a clear conclusion by either convicting or acquitting the defendant. Where a case retains the original 12 jurors at least 10 must agree on the verdict. If the numbers fall short, for example, with 8 wanting to acquit and 4 wanting to convict, that will not be an acceptable verdict.
Can judges overrule jury in the UK?
No. Once a jury delivers a not guilty verdict, the trial judge cannot reverse or overrule it.
Why aren't juries sequestered anymore?
In such cases, jurors are usually housed at a hotel, where they are not allowed to read newspapers, watch television, or access the Internet, and may have only limited contact with others, even each other. Sequestration is rare, and becoming less common, due to the expense and concerns about the impact on jury members.
Why can't lawyers be jurors in the UK?
Since April 2004, the exemption for lawyers from serving on juries was lifted, and the guidance from the Law Society’s criminal law committee warned that only in exceptional cases will complete excusal be granted. The Law Society has supported the change.
What is the biggest problem with the justice system today in the UK?
One of the clearest signals of pressure on the rule of law in the UK is the growing difficulty accessing timely justice. A 2025 National Audit Office report found that public law cases in family courts – where local authorities seek to protect children – are taking up to two years.
Who is more powerful, a judge or a jury?
Neither the jury nor the judge is universally "more powerful"; they have distinct roles, but in most criminal trials, the jury holds the ultimate power to decide guilt or innocence (the verdict), while the judge controls the legal process, determines what evidence is admitted, and imposes the sentence. The jury acts as the finder of fact and applies the law as instructed, but the judge ensures fairness, manages evidence (ruling on objections), and interprets the law, making them powerful in shaping the trial's direction and outcome.
Can you waive your right to a jury trial in the UK?
Clause 36 will allow a defendant in the Crown Court to 'opt out' of a jury trial by applying for a trial by a judge alone. The judge will be able to refuse an application in specified circumstances, for example, where there is a co-defendant who opposes it.
Can you decline jury duty in the US?
Yes, you can decline jury duty in the U.S., but you must request an excuse or deferment from the court, usually for reasons like undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, specific caregiving duties, health issues, or recent prior service, rather than simply ignoring the summons, as failure to appear can lead to fines or other penalties. You must formally apply, often with documentation, and the court decides; common grounds for excuse include being over 70, active military, breastfeeding, or caring for young children/infirm persons, while postponements for temporary issues like work projects are also possible.
Is anxiety a valid excuse for jury duty?
Yes, severe anxiety can get you out of jury duty if you provide documentation from a doctor proving it's a mental disability that prevents you from serving, often requiring a physician's note explaining how it affects concentration or causes undue hardship, though judges might offer accommodations or postponement instead of outright excusal. The key is proving it's a genuine inability to focus or function during service, not just a preference to avoid it.
What not to say during jury duty?
At jury duty, avoid saying anything that shows bias, prejudges the case, disrespects the court, or reveals outside information; don't make sarcastic comments, overshare personal experiences, or claim you're too busy, but be honest about true hardships, as saying you'll be biased or have prior knowledge (like being a doctor in a medical case) can actually get you excused.
What happens if you fall asleep during jury duty in the UK?
Where a juror falls asleep, it is for the judge to deal with the matter on the individual facts at the time it arises (See R v Tomar [1997] Crim LR 682, CA, which deals with a judge refusing to interfere where a single juror had fallen asleep for a short period during the summing up and no application had been made at ...
Do you get bathroom breaks during jury duty?
What if I need an unscheduled bathroom break during jury service? Our judges try to take regularly scheduled restroom and snack breaks. Even so, the individual needs of people sometimes do not follow regular schedules. If you need an unscheduled break during jury service, simply raise your hand.
Can you wear jeans for jury duty UK?
There is no strict dress code and you can wear clothes you're comfortable in, such as jeans and a t-shirt. You cannot wear: very casual clothing, such as beachwear. anything on your head, unless it is for religious reasons.
What are the odds of doing jury duty in the UK?
The chances of being called for Jury Service vary depending on where you live. In England and Wales, the chance is 35%. Only about half of those people will spend any time in court. In Scotland, the chances are much higher at 95%.
Who would most likely be dismissed as a juror?
People most likely to be dismissed from jury duty are those with hardships (financial, medical, family caregiving), legal disqualifications (non-citizen, felon, non-English speaker), or those who show clear bias or inability to be impartial during questioning, often related to personal experiences with the justice system or specific case types. Lawyers use strikes to remove jurors who seem to favor one side or can't follow the law, while courts excuse others for significant burdens like being a primary caregiver or elderly.
Can you go to jail for not attending jury duty in the UK?
This is contempt of court and you can be fined or sent to prison.