Fraud (Trials Without a Jury) Bill

AIM

A Bill will be introduced to provide for trials without a jury in serious fraud cases Extract from the Queen's speech

There is already provision for trials in fraud cases to take place without juries but it requires an affirmative resolution in both Houses of Parliament.

This bill would remove that requirement.

The prosecution could apply for a juryless trial to a high court judge, subject to the agreement of the Lord Chief Justice.

The bill is based on proposals from the 1986 Roskill Report and the 2001 Auld Report.