Protect the right to jury trials in the UK

This petition is one of 9 petitions in the movement "Protect the right to trial by jury in the UK."Learn more about the movement.
Recent signers:
DREW STEPHEN and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The UK's legal system has long upheld the principle that a defendant has the right to be judged by a jury of their peers. This cornerstone of justice is now under threat as some propose abolishing jury trials for certain cases to reduce costs and improve efficiency. However, such a move endangers the very foundation of fair and impartial justice in our country.

Jury trials are not merely procedural; they are a safeguard against tyranny and miscarriage of justice. They ensure public participation in the justice system and help maintain public trust. Real people from various walks of life bring their collective wisdom and experience to assess cases impartially, making the process more transparent and equitable.

Statistics reveal that jury trials yield fair outcomes, with a recent study showing that only a small percentage of jury decisions are overturned on appeal due to procedural errors or factual disagreements ([source](https://www.judiciary.uk/ Removing jury trials would place excessive power in the hands of judges, who may be susceptible to biases and systemic pressures.

Our justice system's integrity relies on checks and balances, with the jury serving as a crucial counter to judicial authority. Instead of eliminating jury trials, we should focus on improving the system by allocating resources for better jury management and ensuring that all citizens can participate easily by offering compensation and support.

Together, we can preserve our democratic rights and uphold the justice system's integrity. Let's keep jury trials as a vital part of our legal landscape. Sign this petition to urge the government to protect jury trials and ensure they remain a fundamental right for all citizens.

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Recent signers:
DREW STEPHEN and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

The UK's legal system has long upheld the principle that a defendant has the right to be judged by a jury of their peers. This cornerstone of justice is now under threat as some propose abolishing jury trials for certain cases to reduce costs and improve efficiency. However, such a move endangers the very foundation of fair and impartial justice in our country.

Jury trials are not merely procedural; they are a safeguard against tyranny and miscarriage of justice. They ensure public participation in the justice system and help maintain public trust. Real people from various walks of life bring their collective wisdom and experience to assess cases impartially, making the process more transparent and equitable.

Statistics reveal that jury trials yield fair outcomes, with a recent study showing that only a small percentage of jury decisions are overturned on appeal due to procedural errors or factual disagreements ([source](https://www.judiciary.uk/ Removing jury trials would place excessive power in the hands of judges, who may be susceptible to biases and systemic pressures.

Our justice system's integrity relies on checks and balances, with the jury serving as a crucial counter to judicial authority. Instead of eliminating jury trials, we should focus on improving the system by allocating resources for better jury management and ensuring that all citizens can participate easily by offering compensation and support.

Together, we can preserve our democratic rights and uphold the justice system's integrity. Let's keep jury trials as a vital part of our legal landscape. Sign this petition to urge the government to protect jury trials and ensure they remain a fundamental right for all citizens.

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Petition created on 26 November 2025