Topic analysis

Labour MPs propose specialist sexual offences courts to help trials backlog

Labour MPs in England and Wales have tabled amendments to the government's courts and tribunals bill, seeking to block plans to limit jury trial eligibility for "either way" cases while proposing specialist sexual offences and domestic abuse courts with fixed trial dates to tackle case backlogs. The rebels argue these specialist courts would address backlog issues without reducing jury rights, and have warned of significant Labour opposition if their demands aren't met, having held talks with justice ministers who haven't ruled out compromise.