Public opposes curb on jury trials, survey says

The public is strongly against plans to curb the right to a jury trial, a survey commissioned by the Law Society and Bar Council found this week.The survey of 807 people by SWR Worldwide, also backed by the Criminal Bar Association, has been released to coincide with the end of the consultation period for the Auld report.

It found 66% of people against curbing the right to jury trial, with 28% in favour.

A similar proportion favoured retaining jury trials over cutting costs.The poll were also found that 84% of those surveyed trusted a jury to come to a right decision, 81% thought a jury trial fairer than a trial by judge, and 80% said a jury produced better justice.It was widely reported last week that the government is set to ditch the controversial jury trial plans.Law Society President David McIntosh said: 'These results reinforce what we already knew - that the public have faith in the jury system and support our campaign to preserve rights to jury trial.

The government must heed the results of this survey, consider the evidence of the profession and understand that removing this right is not in the interests of the public or the justice system.'