Has the time come for the Houses of Parliament to abolish a trial by Jury, so that all Crown Court trials are heard by a Judge alone?

Master's Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Law - Criminal process, Criminology, Law Enforcement, City University London (The City law School), course: LLM Criminal Litigation, language: English, abstract: There are well-founded arguments in favour of a jury trial and the idea that the jury is to preserve democracy would remain favourable with the great majority. However, a jury trial is not without its flaws and it is apparent that a clear argument can be made to the contrary, that a jury is somewhat questionable. Those concerns on the one hand and those benefits on the other hand cannot be ignored any more. Should the UK continue to uphold a trial by jury? What would it mean for the Criminal Justice system if we continue to uphold a trial by jury? If the accused is tride by a jury that's not fit for purpose can we really say justice has been done? The author James Michael Corbett discusses the arguments to set out why UK should no longer try a defendant by a jury. For that, he not only describes the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Justice Act, he also points out issues within a jury trial to later debate about its further use in the UK. Corbett provides a detailed level of knowledge and understanding into the workings of the jury system within the Crown court. The book is a real benefit to anyone who is interested in law or who is thinking of entering the legal profession.

Biography Name and credentials: James Michael Corbett, LLB, PGC, GFTD, GCILEx Previous degrees: Professional Graduate Fast Track Diploma in Legal Practice (GFTD), University of Westminster, 2017 PGC Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Litigation, The City Law School, 2012 LLB Bachelor of Laws (Degree), London South Bank University, 2011 Area of specialism: Crime and litigation Experience: James has recently completed a Professional Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GFTD) which is equivalent to the LPC (Legal Practice Course). He is a member of the (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) CILEx and has attained Graduate membership of the institution. He first became interested in law and politics from an early age and after talking to a local solicitor at a School careers fair he came away more determined than ever to pursue his interest in Law. James pursued his academic studies in Law at London South Bank University and in his second year handled a mock case which gave him experience of interviewing clients and assisting them with legal problems, such as claims in damages for personal injury. In his final year he wrote a law project based on the defense of provocation. He gained a detailed understanding of Law and legal analysis from his degree. He then went on to attend the City Law School where he specialised in criminal litigation and has acquired practical knowledge and experience of the criminal justice system. During his time at Law school he developed a clear understanding of the Criminal sector as well as an awareness of future developments in this field. He participated in trial observations and acquired practical experience and an in depth awareness of the criminal bar. He attended a trial at the local Crown Court where he was particularly intrigued by the interplay between the judge and the advocates. James has combined academic study with part time paid employment and has practiced as a professional McKenzie Friend and has experience in handling clients and assisting those who are unrepresented in court. He keeps up to date with business and legal issues by reading the Financial Times, law magazine, journals, including The Lawyer and Legal Week. Professional membership: GCILEx professional at the Chartered Institute of legal Executives (CILEx) 2015 - Present Future ambitions: James's long term ambition is to pursue a Doctorate (Doctor of Philosophy) and become a doctor of Law with an emphasis into teaching Law.