Top Lancashire barrister warns against axing jury trials
Kirsty Brimelow KC opposes plans that may further erode trust in criminal justice
The chairwoman of the Bar Council, Kirsty Brimelow KC, has raised concerns about government proposals to reduce jury trials, arguing that such measures risk eroding public trust in the criminal justice system without solving the significant backlog of cases in courts.
Speaking during her inaugural speech as chairwoman of the Bar Council, she said the plans to curtail jury trials would deliver little impact on addressing the backlog, and would instead divert attention away from urgent reforms needed to improve the justice system's efficiency.
Ms Brimelow, a barrister from Lancashire who was raised near Chorley and has since built a distinguished legal career, suggested focusing on other solutions including better case management and increasing court sitting days.
Tackling the backlog
The number of cases waiting to be heard at crown courts in England and Wales has reached around 80,000, a figure anticipated to rise further unless action is taken.
Justice Secretary David Lammy recently defended the proposal to restrict jury trials, stating it was necessary to "save the criminal justice system," and expressed hope that the backlog could fall within the next decade.
However, Kirsty Brimelow KC, who was called to the bar in 1991 and served as a previous chairwoman of the Criminal Bar Association, disagreed with this approach.
She explained that reforms such as intense case management and removing limits on sitting days for courts could successfully address delays, adding: "The pragmatic points are that the reduction of juries would have no impact on the existing backlog, as it would take effect towards the end of this Parliament."
Ms Brimelow also drew attention to ongoing issues with prisoner transport that cause delays in hearings.
“The calls for prisoner escort and custody service reform is the whine that has become a roar,” she said, highlighting the £1.4 billion contracts signed by the Ministry of Justice to improve prisoner transport services. She described the frustration of losing hours in court due to prisoners not arriving on time.
Wider priorities
In her role as chairwoman, Ms Brimelow has set out 12 priorities, including exploring whether the criminal age of consent should be raised, combating violence against women and girls, and examining cases where women and girls are targeted over accusations of witchcraft.
She has pledged to address bullying and harassment within the legal profession, promising to “stamp my own foot on bullying or harassment, whilst wearing heels.”
Ms Brimelow also aims to improve the justice system's response to abuses faced by women and girls, with an emphasis on tougher sentences and better recording by courts.
Raised in Lancashire, Ms Brimelow studied law at Birmingham University, joined Doughty Street Chambers in 2009, and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 2011. She credits her background and privilege as shaping her commitment to human rights work.
She commented, “I always feel the tug of my privilege on my sleeve,” while outlining her plans for leadership during her year-long tenure at the Bar Council.