The Government is proposing lifting the threshold for allowing defendants to elect a jury trial in an effort to reduce the number going through the courts.

Currently, defendants can choose between a jury or judge-only trial in cases where their maximum sentence is two or more years in jail.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is proposing options of three, five, or seven years - and is seeking feedback on all three.

He says the current process has been too slow for too long - and he's aiming to speed it up.

"My main concern is too many people having their lives put on hold for years waiting for an outcome of a court case - or if it's a civil case, waiting for a resolution to their problems."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government is proposing lifting the threshold for allowing defendants to elect a jury trial in an effort to reduce the number going through the courts.
Currently, defendants can choose between a jury or judge-only trial in cases where their maximum sentence is two or more years in jail.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is proposing options of three, five, or seven years - and is seeking feedback on all three.
He says the current process has been too slow for too long - and he's aiming to speed it up.
"My main concern is too many people having their lives put on hold for years waiting for an outcome of a court case - or if it's a civil case, waiting for a resolution to their problems."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

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