REDISTRIBUTION OF CRIMINAL BUSINESS - MEMORANDUM OF EVIDENCE TO LORD JUSTICE JAMES' COMMITTEE

• NCJ Number: 39643
• Author(s): L HAWSER; B ANNS; C R BEDDINGTON; L CROSSLEY; P K L DANKS; S ELGROD; D GASK
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 12 pages
• Corporate Author: Justice - British Section of the International Cmssn of Jurists
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

THIS REPORT CONSIDERS WAYS AND MEANS OF REDUCING THE CONGESTION OF BUSINESS IN THE CROWN COURT AND THE CONSEQUENT DELAYS IN BRINGING CASES TO TRIAL IN GREAT BRITAIN.

Abstract

THE TWO MAIN SOLUTIONS ANALYZED ARE TO REMOVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN CERTAIN CLASSES OF CASES (SUCH AS TRAFFIC OFFENSES) AND TO WIDEN THE RANGE OF OFFENSES TRIABLE SUMMARILY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE ACCUSED. THIS LATTER SUGGESTION IS ENDORSED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE AS TO THE OFFENSES WHICH COULD BE AFFECTED. THEY INCLUDE BURGLARY, DEALING IN STOLEN GOODS, BIGAMY, PERJURY, FORGERY, AND CERTAIN SEXUAL OFFENSES....ELW