Law and Rights
Two Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) judgments have been handed down which ought to make it clear that NON-jury trials in the Crown Court will be only ordered exceptionally. This is very good news for those who, like myself, believe in the value of jury trial. However, it is a matter for regret that it is necessary to have provision for non-jury trial in order to ensure that certain defendants stand their trials. The judgments are J, S, M v R [2010] EWCA Crim 1755 and KS v R [2010] EWCA Crim 1756. The first non-jury trial in the Crown Court was held earlier this year - see here.
- The Jury
At Southwark Crown Court, the jury in the Vicky Pryce case was discharged since it was unable to reach a verdict despite the trial judge (Mr Justice Sweeney) being prepared to accept a majority verdict- (The Guardian 20th February). A retrial...
- Achieving Best Evidence - Transcripts
Crown Court - Snaresbrook In a criminal trial, certain witnesses may be allowed to have their evidence-in-chief presented in video recorded form. When this is done, it may take the form of recordings of interviews prepared in accordance with "Achieving...
- Appeals Following Judge Only Trial And Convictions Are Dismissed
Appeals by Twomey, Blake, Hibberd and Cameron have been dismissed by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) - judgment here. In 2004 they were involved in a robbery at Heathrow Airport - (see the previous post on Law and Lawyers) - and on 31st...
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) has given judgment in three appeals involving the death of a baby - see Henderson, Butler, Oyediran v R [2010] EWCA Crim 1269. These are very difficult and emotional cases in which a jury often has to weigh...
- Man On Trial For 2004 Armed Robbery Has Absconded
Peter Blake, a man on trial before Mr Justice Treacey, has absconded. He is one of 4 men standing trial together before a judge alone. The alleged offences date back to a robbery at Heathrow Airport in February 2004. See The Independent...
Law and Rights
Non jury trial in the Crown Court - should be a last resort
- The Jury
At Southwark Crown Court, the jury in the Vicky Pryce case was discharged since it was unable to reach a verdict despite the trial judge (Mr Justice Sweeney) being prepared to accept a majority verdict- (The Guardian 20th February). A retrial...
- Achieving Best Evidence - Transcripts
Crown Court - Snaresbrook In a criminal trial, certain witnesses may be allowed to have their evidence-in-chief presented in video recorded form. When this is done, it may take the form of recordings of interviews prepared in accordance with "Achieving...
- Appeals Following Judge Only Trial And Convictions Are Dismissed
Appeals by Twomey, Blake, Hibberd and Cameron have been dismissed by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) - judgment here. In 2004 they were involved in a robbery at Heathrow Airport - (see the previous post on Law and Lawyers) - and on 31st...
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
The Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) has given judgment in three appeals involving the death of a baby - see Henderson, Butler, Oyediran v R [2010] EWCA Crim 1269. These are very difficult and emotional cases in which a jury often has to weigh...
- Man On Trial For 2004 Armed Robbery Has Absconded
Peter Blake, a man on trial before Mr Justice Treacey, has absconded. He is one of 4 men standing trial together before a judge alone. The alleged offences date back to a robbery at Heathrow Airport in February 2004. See The Independent...