Oxford demonstration to oppose plans limiting jury trials

A protest will take place outside Oxford Crown Court on Monday, May 18, challenging government plans to limit the right to trial by jury.

The protest is part of a nationwide day of action coordinated by The Jury Alliance.

A spokesperson for the group said: “Juries are made up of 12 randomly selected, local people.

“A long-established fundamental aspect of British law, they reflect the local community and local democracy, and provide a vital, common sense check on the law.”

The demonstrations were organised in response to the Courts and Tribunals Bill, currently at the report stage in Parliament.

If passed, the Bill would remove the right to a jury trial in cases where the expected prison sentence is three years or less.

Instead, a single judge would decide the outcome.

The Government argues that the new legislation is necessary to address the extensive backlog in the courts, which currently stands at around 80,000 cases.

However, The Jury Alliance and other opponents believe the move would undermine a fundamental principle of British justice.

The right to trial by jury has been part of English law for more than 800 years, dating back to the Magna Carta of 1215.

Carolyn Dodd, a 65-year-old retired social worker from Oxford, said: “On Monday, May 18, I’ll be outside the Oxford Crown Court as part of a National Day of Action.

“Our centuries-old jury system is under attack and our aim is to make sure people know.

“Jury acquittals, particularly in protest cases, have become a thorn in the side of recent governments and the proposal to heavily restrict access to jury trials should be seen in this context.

“The argument that the restrictions will reduce court backlogs does not hold up.”

Protesters will gather with banners, placards and leaflets to make their case.

Flora Page KC, the barrister who overturned wrongful convictions in the Post Office Horizon scandal, recently resigned from the Legal Services Board so she could oppose the changes.

In her resignation letter to the Justice Secretary, she said: “I am sorry to say that I believe the backlog is a cynical cover, something that the officials have worked on intentionally to give you and Ms Sackman the ammunition you feel you need to take aim at jury trial.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves.”

Protesters will march from the crown court to Carfax, where they will continue to raise awareness and engage with members of the public about the issue.