Clause 41 — Application by Defendant for Trial to be conducted without Jury

Part of Criminal Justice Bill – in the House of Commons at 3:45 pm on 18 November 2003.

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Photo of Douglas Hogg Douglas Hogg Conservative, Sleaford and North Hykeham 3:45, 18 November 2003

The hon. Gentleman has given examples of individuals who might wish to be tried before a judge rather than by a jury, but classes of case are also relevant here. For example, one can imagine that when railway crashes are dealt with under health and safety legislation, the defendants—directors of a large company—might prefer to be tried by a judge alone, not by a jury. Is that in the public interest?