#612 | Should Britain Abolish Jury Trials?

#612 | Should Britain Abolish Jury Trials?

Author: Leonardo English May 22, 2026 Duration: 23:44

 


Who should decide if you are guilty: the state, or a group of 12 ordinary citizens?

 

England is now considering getting rid of jury trials for thousands of cases. It would be the biggest change to the justice system since the Middle Ages.

 
  • Crown Court backlog: years-long waits for trials.
  • Government bill to limit juries for mid-level offences.
  • Serious crimes still keep juries: murder, rape, terrorism.
  • Legal community warns against losing a key safeguard.
  • How jury trials work in England and Wales.
  • England uses juries; Europe uses judge-led trials.
  • History: Athens, Assize of Clarendon, Magna Carta.
  • Purpose of juries: legitimacy, independence, protect against state power.
  • Jury nullification shown: Penn, Ponting, Bristol Colston statue.
  • Debate: efficiency versus rights, slippery slope concerns.

Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/jury-trials

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If your language studies could use a dose of fascination, English Learning for Curious Minds might just be what you're looking for. Created by Leonardo English, this podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced learners who are tired of dry textbooks and repetitive exercises. Instead, each episode dives into a curiously compelling topic-you might explore the history of forgotten inventions, unravel mysteries of ancient cultures, or discuss surprising scientific discoveries. The conversation is deliberately paced for comprehension, allowing you to absorb natural pronunciation and complex vocabulary in context. To support your learning, every episode includes an interactive transcript, subtitles, and key vocabulary lists. It’s this blend of genuine intellectual curiosity and practical learning tools that has built a global community, with listeners tuning in from 189 different countries. The result is a genuinely engaging way to build fluency, where improving your English feels less like a chore and more like a series of fascinating conversations about the weird and wonderful aspects of our world.
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