This isn’t strictly political, and there’s no partisan edge here, but I think it is important that democratic participation informs the way the judiciary works.
The Law Commission is looking at better trial processes, to get a fairer system. You can have your say on their proposals.
Rape and sex crimes have very low prosecution and conviction rates; trials can often feel like a second violation for the victim – how can we achieve better justice in these cases?
Are there ways we can improve the efficiency of the system without unsafe convictions? Justice delayed is justice denied, but justice rushed can be no justice at all if evidence is missed or a chance to argue denied.
Can we learn from other systems? With Simon Power no longer Justice Minister the push for an inquisitorial system (instead of our adversarial system) is lessened, but that would lessen the ordeal for victims in cross-examination.
Are 12 ordinary citizens as a jury always best? Or are public prejudices brought to bear and legal points lost? Would a mix of professional jurors & private citizens work better?
I’m not offering the answers, but make sure you say your piece before Friday 27 April.
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