MPs say aye to Fraud (Trials Without A Jury) Bill

The BBC:

MPs have voted to end trial by jury in complex fraud cases, despite strong opposition to the government’s plans.

The Fraud (Trials Without A Jury) Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons, although the government’s majority was nearly halved.

It will now go to the Lords, where it is expected to face fierce opposition.

Critics say the right to trial by jury is a bedrock of the criminal justice system. But the government says major trials put too much pressure on jurors.

The Third Reading debate can be read on Theyworkforyou. In my opinion some of the arguments were disingenuous.

And I am fed up with MPs who don’t support Bills but vote for them regardless. Or those who abstain.

Remember, the Government’s contention is that some fraud trials are “complex” and “serious” and can be too much of a “burden”. Not of course that they are too “complex” and “serious” for the layman.

There is no war on terror updated

Ken McDonald’s speech can be found on the CPS website.

Well worth reading the whole speech, I think.