All posts tagged: magistrates

Magistrates and judges to use more AI, says Lammy – as jury trials reduced | Politics News

Magistrates and judges to use more AI, says Lammy – as jury trials reduced | Politics News

Justice Secretary David Lammy wants to see more AI-assisted magistrates as he doubles down on his plans to reduce the number of jury trials. Speaking from a Microsoft AI event in London, Mr Lammy, who is also the deputy prime minister, confirmed members of the judiciary had been using the tools, and he now wanted “to see more AI”. Mr Lammy said as part of the initiative, the government would ramp up investment in its “justice AI” project. Politics latest: MPs debating release of Andrew trade envoy files He also reiterated his commitment to reducing the number of jury trials being held in England and Wales in a bid to reduce the courts backlog, as well as his recent announcement committing to increase the number of court sitting days. It comes following Sky News uncovering that at least 21 police forces have continued using Microsoft’s Copilot tool, despite hallucinations contributing to the banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from a game against Aston Villa – something Mr Lammy previously criticised. Mr Lammy said trials in …

French judges alarmed by rumors of US sanctioning magistrates who sentenced Le Pen

French judges alarmed by rumors of US sanctioning magistrates who sentenced Le Pen

Peimane Ghaleh-Marzban, the president of the Paris court, at his swearing-in ceremony at the Paris Courthouse, September 29, 2025. LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP The Trump administration is considering sanctions against three French magistrates, according to the German magazine Der Spiegel, causing concern within the French judiciary. The judges in question sentenced Marine Le Pen on March 31, 2025, to four years in prison, including two mandatory years, and five years of ineligibility for embezzlement of public funds. On December 30, 2025, the weekly publication reported on its website anonymous accounts from former US administration officials who said that Washington intends to sanction European magistrates and officials suspected of targeting the far right in France or in Germany. Der Spiegel explicitly cited the case of the three French judges. “If such claims were proven true or were to materialize,” declared Peimane Ghaleh-Marzban, the president of the Paris judicial court, on January 6 during a session welcoming new magistrates, “they would constitute unacceptable and intolerable interference in our country’s internal affairs, which should provoke condemnation from the public authorities.” …

Recruitment drive launched for new magistrates | Politics News

Recruitment drive launched for new magistrates | Politics News

The government is launching a drive to recruit thousands of new volunteers to serve as magistrates in England and Wales, as it seeks to get a grip of the courts backlog. More than 2,000 magistrates have been trained since 2022, and ministers want to recruit the same number again over the next financial year, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) says. The recruitment effort is part of the government’s bid to reduce the backlog and speed up justice for victims, and comes on the heels of the announcement of a series of reforms – including controversial plans to limit jury trials. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said: “Magistrates play a vital role in our court system – hearing thousands of cases across every jurisdiction and delivering justice. “They are everyday heroes – and we need more people of every age and background to volunteer not just to deliver justice but to serve and represent their local communities. “Volunteering to become a magistrate can make a real difference to your life and the lives …