Britain’s justice minister is set to launch what he calls “the most sweeping modernisation” of the courts in a generation, amid reports that jury trials would be eliminated for most criminal cases in England and Wales.

Several UK media outlets report that under the proposed changes, only defendants facing the gravest crimes—such as rape, murder, and manslaughter—or cases meeting a public interest test would be guaranteed a jury.

The prospect of the reform has already triggered fierce resistance from judges and legal professionals. More than 100 lawyers wrote to the justice ministry last week, warning the sector was being sidelined and urging the government to rethink the approach.

Cutting a growing backlog

The government argues that urgent measures are needed to tackle a massive backlog of criminal cases, some dating back years. Without intervention, it says, outstanding cases could reach 100,000 by 2028.

Justice Minister David Lammy, who insists no final decisions have been made, will present a full reform package in Parliament on Tuesday.

“I am calling time on the courts’ emergency that has left victims of the most serious crimes waiting years for justice and pushed the justice system to the brink of collapse,” Lammy said in remarks released ahead of the announcement.

“We must be bold. I will set out a fast and fair justice plan that gives victims and survivors the swift justice they deserve.”

According to the ministry, some victims wait up to four years for a trial, and more than 10 per cent of adult rape cases collapse because victims withdraw.

Officials say the reforms will create “faster routes for lower-level cases,” freeing Crown Court time for the most serious offences.

Funding boost and new legal pathways

Lammy will also pledge £550 million ($727 million) over three years to expand support for victims and witnesses navigating the justice process.

Other steps include funding to train more criminal barristers, with an emphasis on drawing young people from diverse backgrounds into the profession.

Judge-only courts floated

The Times reported last week that leaked plans outlined shifting most jury trials in Crown Courts to judge-only proceedings.

Days later, the BBC revealed details from an internal government briefing indicating the creation of a new tier of courts without juries, hearing the majority of cases currently tried before Crown Court juries.

The justice ministry has declined to confirm the leaked proposals but says it must act decisively to prevent further strain on an already overstretched system.