Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government has cancelled elections and is scrapping jury trials, limiting the right to appeal to a Crown court despite a 40% success rate for such appeals. The Solicitor General's job is to uphold the rule of law.
Given that her job is to uphold the rule of law, would she push back against some of her colleagues' more authoritarian tendencies in view of cancelled elections and scrapping jury trials despite a 40% success rate for appeals?
Justice delayed is justice denied. The previous Conservative Government allowed this crisis to develop in our criminal courts, with rape victims waiting up to three years for their cases to be heard. On appeals, Sir Brian Leveson recommended a permission stage on appeal which would mean that appeal claims with merit will have the opportunity to be heard.
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Assessment & feedback
The Solicitor General did not address the question of pushing back against colleagues' tendencies regarding jury trials and elections directly.
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Referenced Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Operation Nova assists veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system. The scenario involves an Afghanistan veteran accused of assault after being assaulted himself.
Given Operation Nova, should a veteran who fought for his country and ends up in court due to circumstances be entitled to put his defence in front of a jury?
Jury trials make up 3% of cases currently heard in the criminal courts. It is important for both victims and defendants that they are not waiting years and years for their cases to get to court, which is happening as a result of the crisis that the previous Government left us in. The most serious cases will still be heard by juries—for example, rape, murder and grievous bodily harm cases—and it is important that justice is delivered swiftly.
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Assessment & feedback
The Solicitor General did not directly address whether veterans would face a jury trial under the new policy.
Changed Subject
Referenced Previous Government
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government want to do away with jury trials and extend the powers of magistrates to sentence people for up to two years without a right to appeal. More than 40% of appeals from magistrates courts last year were upheld.
Without any kind of mandate, the Government want to scrap jury trials and limit appeal rights; will the Solicitor General confirm that more than 40% of appeals from magistrates courts were upheld? Is it the policy to live with such miscarriages of justice?
The hon. Gentleman is wrong to say that we are getting rid of jury trials. I will say it again: less than 3% of cases are currently heard by a jury. Under the proposals, some cases would be heard by a Crown court bench, or by the magistrates courts. When we are facing backlogs of up to three years and rape victims are not having their cases heard, doing nothing is not an option.
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Assessment & feedback
The Solicitor General did not confirm whether 40% of appeals were upheld or if the Government accepts many miscarriages of justice.
Changed Subject
Denial
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Q4
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Context
Constituents on remand in prison are now on hunger strike. None of the offences of which they are accused involve violence against a person.
Would it not make more sense, be much more efficient for the criminal justice system and be a humanitarian gesture to release these three remand prisoners with tagging and appropriate monitoring?
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Assessment & feedback
The Solicitor General did not answer and was interrupted by the Speaker due to sub judice.
Sub Judice
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP refers to a statement by Karl Turner expressing concerns about the erosion of jury trials and the Justice Secretary's proposals. The MP also mentions that at least 38 colleagues share similar views.
This month, the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull East wrote: 'The erosion of jury trials not only risks undermining a fundamental right, but importantly, will not reduce the backlog by anything like enough'. He went on to say he would vote against it if brought to the House and that both the House and the public will not stand for the erosion of this right. Is the Solicitor General concerned about these proposals?
I take very seriously the proposals put forward by Sir Brian Leveson, which made it clear that because of the crisis in the justice system and a backlog of 80,000 cases left by the previous Conservative Government, investment alone is not enough; radical reform is required. Jury trials are not being got rid of but some cases will be heard by magistrates or the Crown bench division. Justice delayed is justice denied. People wait far too long for their case to get to court and 60% of rape victims pull out before it gets there.
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Assessment & feedback
The Solicitor General did not directly address whether they are concerned about the proposals, focusing instead on justifying the reforms.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the concerns raised about reducing jury trials for sentences under three years, particularly in relation to domestic abuse cases. The MP mentions a legal aid clinic's report on a judge's conduct towards a woman seeking justice against her abuser.
Following my question on the legal aid means test for domestic abuse victims, I want to highlight the danger that scrapping jury trials for sentences under three years poses for domestic abuse cases. The complex nature of these cases requires the breadth of perspective and understanding provided by jury trials. What assessment will the Solicitor General make of the impact reducing jury trials will have on such cases?
The Government are committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and ensuring they have access to justice. I visited a specialist domestic abuse court based at Westminster magistrates court, which supports survivors and helps cases get through the courts quickly. Survivors who bravely report crimes need help; alongside reforms, we are introducing a package of support for victims. The Government’s cross-party strategy on violence against women and girls will be published today.
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Assessment & feedback
The Solicitor General did not directly address the assessment of impact on domestic abuse cases but discussed the government's commitment to supporting survivors.
Response accuracy