'Defending the right to trial by jury in England and Wales' - your letters, plus a historic 1942 road race snapshot

UK jury trials key to justice

Since Magna Carta, this country has always recognised and guarded the principle that no individual shall be deprived of liberty "but by the lawful judgement of their peers” – hence the practice of jury trials.

That principle has been a safeguard of our constitutional balance, a cornerstone of English & Welsh liberty that has endured precisely because it prevents the concentration of criminal justice power in the hands of the State.

Juries reach a collective decision, and have the right to use their conscience in order to make their decisions. This right is enshrined at the Old Bailey, and was recently confirmed at the High Court to be an “established feature of our constitutional landscape… which has been affirmed… in the highest courts”.

The real backlog of Crown Court cases must be sorted. However, the Bar Council and Criminal Bar Association have stated clearly that there is no evidence that stopping or reducing jury trials will sort the problem out.

Trial by jury has survived wars, political upheavals, and modernisation precisely because it protects both the individual and the public's confidence in the rule of law. We, as ordinary citizens, must uphold both the right to trial by jury.

Angie Zelter, Midlands

We can help with tinnitus

As we mark Tinnitus Week (February 2-8), we know that for many people with tinnitus, it’s not just a hum in the background, but something that can make everyday life a challenge.

Despite tinnitus being more common than most people realise with one in seven adults experiencing it, too many are still left confused, worried or unsure of where to turn for help.

Through our new research, two thirds of people with tinnitus told us it can impact their stress levels, while half said it makes them feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Thankfully with the right support, lots of people can live well with tinnitus.

There are many practical ways to manage each person’s needs, such as talking therapies, hearing aids, or mindfulness.

No one should face tinnitus alone. If you’re finding your tinnitus difficult to manage or you’re worried about someone close to you, we’re here to help. RNID’s free online tinnitus guide at rnid.org.uk/tinnitus offers plenty of helpful information, practical tips and advice to help you live a good, balanced life with tinnitus.

Franki Oliver, RNID West Midlands

Have an opinion? Want to be heard? We want to hear your voice!

Write to Readers' letters at [email protected]

Letters to the editor must include the writer’s name and address and will only be published anonymously in exceptional circumstances. The editor reserves the right to condense or amend letters.

Do you have any pictures from the past you would like to share with us? 

Do need help recognising an old street, old faces? If so, send them to [email protected] including your name, where you are from, and as much information as you can about the photo(s) and we will publish as many as we can online and in print.