The former judicial chief for criminal justice leading a major review of the criminal courts has called for ‘ambitious’ evidence and ideas that ‘challenge current thinking’.

Sir Brian Leveson, former president of the Queen’s Bench Division, has been asked to report back to the lord chancellor by spring with longer-term options for criminal court reform that could lead to fewer jury trials and is seeking views on all aspects of the review.

The Ministry of Justice says: ‘Sir Brian Leveson welcomes views from all who have an interest in this area on any aspect of the Review, as set out in the terms of reference. We would encourage those responding to the call for evidence to be ambitious, and we welcome any ideas which challenge current thinking, are innovative, or which spotlight best practice and how it can be extended.’

Under the review’s terms of reference, Leveson will consider the introduction of an ‘intermediate court’, where cases are heard by a judge flanked by magistrates, for cases that are too serious for magistrates’ courts but not serious enough for the Crown court. Leveson will also explore magistrates’ sentencing powers and reclassifying some offences that could see more cases heard in the magistrates’ or potentially new intermediate court.

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Leveson has also been asked to consider how effectively recommendations from his 2015 review on efficiency in criminal proceedings have been implemented and if more can be done to increase efficiency.

Leveson’s 2015 review contended that the criminal courts were ‘lagging significantly’ behind the business world with the use of IT and videoconferencing.

Responses to the latest review should be sent to independentreviewcriminalcourts@justice.gov.uk by 31 January. Leveson will report back to the lord chancellor with reform options this spring and follow-up findings on court efficiency by the autumn.