The Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales
@thecriminalbar.bsky.social
The Criminal Bar Association exists to represent the views and interests of the practising members of the Criminal Bar in England and Wales. https://www.criminalbar.com/resources/news/
Respect
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
September 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Respect
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
“It is not the jury’s fault that the system is in such a mess.”
“Why Juries Matter” Francis FitzGibbon KC examines the evidence in @LondonReview for the recommendations in Sir Brian Leveson’s Government-commissioned Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
“Why Juries Matter” Francis FitzGibbon KC examines the evidence in @LondonReview for the recommendations in Sir Brian Leveson’s Government-commissioned Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
Francis FitzGibbon · Short Cuts: Why Juries Matter
In this country, trial by jury is constitutive of a fair, credible, legitimate system of criminal justice. It is what...
www.lrb.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM
“It is not the jury’s fault that the system is in such a mess.”
“Why Juries Matter” Francis FitzGibbon KC examines the evidence in @LondonReview for the recommendations in Sir Brian Leveson’s Government-commissioned Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
“Why Juries Matter” Francis FitzGibbon KC examines the evidence in @LondonReview for the recommendations in Sir Brian Leveson’s Government-commissioned Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v4...
“We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Baroness Helen Newlove for her service over her two terms as Victim's Commissioner. No-one has done more than Helen to ensure that the victims of crime are recognised as being at the heart of the work of the Criminal Justice System.”
September 4, 2025 at 7:48 AM
“We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Baroness Helen Newlove for her service over her two terms as Victim's Commissioner. No-one has done more than Helen to ensure that the victims of crime are recognised as being at the heart of the work of the Criminal Justice System.”
Congratulations to Claire on the appointment. We are grateful for the impressive work Claire has undertaken during her time as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, CBA Chair of and Andrew Thomas KC, CBA Vice Chair.
www.gov.uk/government/n....
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, CBA Chair of and Andrew Thomas KC, CBA Vice Chair.
www.gov.uk/government/n....
Claire Waxman OBE appointed as Victims’ Commissioner
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice has approved the appointment of Claire Waxman OBE as Victims’ Commissioner.
www.gov.uk
September 4, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Congratulations to Claire on the appointment. We are grateful for the impressive work Claire has undertaken during her time as London’s first Independent Victims’ Commissioner.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, CBA Chair of and Andrew Thomas KC, CBA Vice Chair.
www.gov.uk/government/n....
Riel Karmy-Jones KC, CBA Chair of and Andrew Thomas KC, CBA Vice Chair.
www.gov.uk/government/n....
As the new legal year beckons, we are delighted to welcome Riel Karmy-Jones KC as our new Chair and Andrew Thomas KC as our new Vice-Chair.
Riel and Andrew will continue to work with the Executive and our Officers, James Gray, Chloë Ashley and Matilda Robinson-Murphy.
Riel and Andrew will continue to work with the Executive and our Officers, James Gray, Chloë Ashley and Matilda Robinson-Murphy.
September 1, 2025 at 8:10 AM
As the new legal year beckons, we are delighted to welcome Riel Karmy-Jones KC as our new Chair and Andrew Thomas KC as our new Vice-Chair.
Riel and Andrew will continue to work with the Executive and our Officers, James Gray, Chloë Ashley and Matilda Robinson-Murphy.
Riel and Andrew will continue to work with the Executive and our Officers, James Gray, Chloë Ashley and Matilda Robinson-Murphy.
#CriminalJusticeMatters
Our CBA #podcast
The Leveson Review of The Criminal Courts
Daniel Oscroft, who practices from No5 Chambers, discusses the existing inefficiencies in the criminal courts system with Simon Spence KC and Kate Bex KC of Red Lion Chambers
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
Our CBA #podcast
The Leveson Review of The Criminal Courts
Daniel Oscroft, who practices from No5 Chambers, discusses the existing inefficiencies in the criminal courts system with Simon Spence KC and Kate Bex KC of Red Lion Chambers
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
Episode 5: The Leveson Review of The Criminal Courts – a discussion – Part 3 - Criminal Bar Association
In this third episode dealing with the Leveson Review, Daniel Oscroft, a specialist criminal barrister with over 20 years’ experience […]
www.criminalbar.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:04 AM
#CriminalJusticeMatters
Our CBA #podcast
The Leveson Review of The Criminal Courts
Daniel Oscroft, who practices from No5 Chambers, discusses the existing inefficiencies in the criminal courts system with Simon Spence KC and Kate Bex KC of Red Lion Chambers
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
Our CBA #podcast
The Leveson Review of The Criminal Courts
Daniel Oscroft, who practices from No5 Chambers, discusses the existing inefficiencies in the criminal courts system with Simon Spence KC and Kate Bex KC of Red Lion Chambers
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
Justice in Numbers
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
August 4, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Justice in Numbers
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
Lord chancellor Shabana Mahmood faces overwhelming opposition from criminal barristers if she pursues proposals to curb jury trials, the findings of a snap survey commissioned by the Criminal Bar Association suggests.
www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/crimina...
www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/crimina...
Criminal bar says 'no' to curbs on jury trials
Criminal Bar Association survey reveals overwhelming opposition to more serious cases being heard by judge alone.
www.lawgazette.co.uk
July 30, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Lord chancellor Shabana Mahmood faces overwhelming opposition from criminal barristers if she pursues proposals to curb jury trials, the findings of a snap survey commissioned by the Criminal Bar Association suggests.
www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/crimina...
www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/crimina...
More than 90 per cent of barristers oppose controversial plan to axe jury trials
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
More than 90 per cent of barristers oppose axing jury trials
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk
July 30, 2025 at 8:54 AM
More than 90 per cent of barristers oppose controversial plan to axe jury trials
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
The Criminal Bar Association’s survey of Criminal Barristers’ views of the Leveson Review of the Criminal Courts, a Government commissioned review.
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
July 30, 2025 at 8:52 AM
The Criminal Bar Association’s survey of Criminal Barristers’ views of the Leveson Review of the Criminal Courts, a Government commissioned review.
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
Reposted by The Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales
“We should think very carefully before removing the right to trial by jury.
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
July 14, 2025 at 9:54 AM
“We should think very carefully before removing the right to trial by jury.
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Reposted by The Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales
We cannot applaud the removal of what the public sees as a basic human right. The public takes part in the criminal justice system, deciding the guilt or otherwise of its fellow citizens. This is a significant protection, ensuring that laws remain fair and justice remains open to all.
Mary Prior KC
Mary Prior KC
July 17, 2025 at 6:41 AM
We cannot applaud the removal of what the public sees as a basic human right. The public takes part in the criminal justice system, deciding the guilt or otherwise of its fellow citizens. This is a significant protection, ensuring that laws remain fair and justice remains open to all.
Mary Prior KC
Mary Prior KC
Snap!
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
July 23, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Snap!
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
24 hours to go
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
July 22, 2025 at 7:11 AM
24 hours to go
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
Chair
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
July 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Chair
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
Sunday is survey day
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
July 20, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Sunday is survey day
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
Calling Criminal Barristers.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
July 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Calling Criminal Barristers.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
Reposted by The Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales
In The Brief today: @londonlegal.bsky.social support trust Walking into record books; @Law_Commission looks at chancel repair liability. Sign up for the latest #legal news, comment & gossip: home.thetimes.com/newsletters
July 17, 2025 at 8:21 AM
In The Brief today: @londonlegal.bsky.social support trust Walking into record books; @Law_Commission looks at chancel repair liability. Sign up for the latest #legal news, comment & gossip: home.thetimes.com/newsletters
The Leveson Review
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
July 17, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The Leveson Review
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
We cannot applaud the removal of what the public sees as a basic human right. The public takes part in the criminal justice system, deciding the guilt or otherwise of its fellow citizens. This is a significant protection, ensuring that laws remain fair and justice remains open to all.
Mary Prior KC
Mary Prior KC
July 17, 2025 at 6:41 AM
We cannot applaud the removal of what the public sees as a basic human right. The public takes part in the criminal justice system, deciding the guilt or otherwise of its fellow citizens. This is a significant protection, ensuring that laws remain fair and justice remains open to all.
Mary Prior KC
Mary Prior KC
The Leveson Review
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
July 16, 2025 at 11:33 AM
The Leveson Review
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
Listen to this episode of Tonight with Andrew Marr on Global Player
CBA Chair Mary Prior KC is in discussion with @lbc.co.uk Andrew Marr, explaining proposals set out in the Government commissioned Review of the Criminal Courts by Sir Brian Leveson.
Why #juries matter
The right to jury trial.
CBA Chair Mary Prior KC is in discussion with @lbc.co.uk Andrew Marr, explaining proposals set out in the Government commissioned Review of the Criminal Courts by Sir Brian Leveson.
Why #juries matter
The right to jury trial.
July 16, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Listen to this episode of Tonight with Andrew Marr on Global Player
CBA Chair Mary Prior KC is in discussion with @lbc.co.uk Andrew Marr, explaining proposals set out in the Government commissioned Review of the Criminal Courts by Sir Brian Leveson.
Why #juries matter
The right to jury trial.
CBA Chair Mary Prior KC is in discussion with @lbc.co.uk Andrew Marr, explaining proposals set out in the Government commissioned Review of the Criminal Courts by Sir Brian Leveson.
Why #juries matter
The right to jury trial.
“We should think very carefully before removing the right to trial by jury.
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
July 14, 2025 at 9:54 AM
“We should think very carefully before removing the right to trial by jury.
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Former CBA Chair Francis FitzGibbon KC discussed on @LBCNews the space needed in and out of prison for rehabilitation, the “revolving door” impact of short prison sentences and how cuts to court capacity increase backlogs and delay, causing remand to rise
45m24s-
www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbcn...
45m24s-
www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbcn...
John Stratford | Global Player
Listen to John Stratford for free on Global Player.
www.globalplayer.com
May 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Former CBA Chair Francis FitzGibbon KC discussed on @LBCNews the space needed in and out of prison for rehabilitation, the “revolving door” impact of short prison sentences and how cuts to court capacity increase backlogs and delay, causing remand to rise
45m24s-
www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbcn...
45m24s-
www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbcn...
“There is no alternative but to make change”
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Chemical castration of sex offenders ‘worthwhile’ exploring – review chairman
The review led by former justice secretary David Gauke recommended reforms to overhaul the prisons system.
www.independent.co.uk
May 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“There is no alternative but to make change”
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...