On 24th June 2020, current Chair of the Criminal Bar Association, Trinity’s Caroline Goodwin Q.C. was featured on BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
During her interview, Caroline voiced concerns at the growing backlog of criminal trials which were already at unacceptable levels prior to the COVID-19 lockdown. In addition, Caroline highlighted the fundamental need to maintain Jury trials despite the backlogs and the recent suggestion by the Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland Q.C. to remove them.
Caroline argued that a "rigorous and efficient plan" was needed and that the criminal justice system has had "an axe taken to it since 2010".
Former Supreme Court Judge, Lord Jonathan Sumption joined the debate as a fellow guest.
Caroline concluded that members of the Criminal Bar were working closely with HMCTS to resolve the challenges and what was ultimately a "self made problem of the Government". She pleaded for "access to more buildings...a question of practical logistics."
The full programme can be accessed by BBC Sounds subscribers here at 1:33:55.
As well as heading Trinity's Criminal and Regulatory barrister teams, Caroline is a sitting Crown Court Recorder.