This bill stops criminal trials being delayed just because one juror is absent, as long as at least 9 jurors remain. It aims to prevent victims waiting years for justice only for cases to be postponed or defendants to die before trial.
A Bill to provide that any criminal proceedings set down for trial may not be adjourned by reason of absence of or discharge of a juror where the number of members of the jury is not reduced below nine; and for connected purposes.
Status: In Progress
Current House: Commons
Stage: 1st reading
Sponsored by: Sally Jameson
Introduced: 2026-04-22