First Crown Court Case With No Jury
NOTES the Telegraph: “Prosecutors are planning to apply for permission to hold a major criminal trial without a jury in what would be a legal first for England.
The Crown is pressing for a judge-only trial because of concerns that jurors in the case could be subject to intimidation or bribery.
It is understood the request – which will be submitted to the judge on Tuesday – follows consultation with the Director of Public Prosecution.
Why now? Why is this case so execeptional? When the Anorak worked on and around Fleet Street, I used to spend many rainy afternoons sat in the gallery at the Old Bailey. When brave enough, I’d glance at the other members of the gallery who would often be friends and family of the accused. They would stare hard at the witnesses and then the jury. Some would be around the nearby St Paul’s Station or on the platform to see the witnesses emerging.
No jury. No problem…
Posted: 11th, February 2008 | In: Broadsheets Comments (3) | TrackBack | Permalink
