In this special episode of the Criminal Justice Matters podcast from the Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales, regular hosts Kate Bex KC and Simon Spence KC are joined by The Secret Barrister.

The Secret Barrister is a practising criminal barrister whose books and blog highlighting shortcomings in the criminal justice system are read by thousands and have shone a light on the daily reality of life in Crown Courts across the land.

The Secret Barrister gives their response to recent Government recommendations to limit the use of jury trials to only the most serious cases as part of the effort to tackle the huge backlog of criminal proceedings awaiting trial.

As well as discussion on the serious issues facing the criminal justice system, the podcast touches on The Secret Barrister's recent novel The Cut Throat Trial, favourite Christmas movies and the challenges of retaining anonymity in a social media world.

Criminal Justice Matters is edited and produced on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association by Adam Batstone Media & Communications . The views expressed by all contributors are their personal opinions on the topics discussed.

In this latest episode of the Criminal Justice Matters podcast from the Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales,former Chair of the CBA Mary Prior KC discusses with the Chair of the Bar Council, Barbara Mills KC the privilege, responsibility and pressures of their offices, and their efforts to help barristers of all backgrounds become the best they can be.

Mary and Barbara share their insights into what it takes as women to have risen to the very highest positions of leadership during a time of ongoing generational shift towards greater inclusiveness, kindness and respect in the profession.

They shine a light into the world of negotiations with justice stakeholders, and highlight the power of unity shared through mutual trust between Chairs.

Mary Prior KC, was CBA Chair for a year until 31 August 2025 before which she served one year as Vice Chair. Barbara Mills KC continues her term as Bar Council Chair until 31 December 2025. Riel Karmy-Jones KC succeeded Mary as CBA Chair on 1 September 2025 andcontinues to positively engage with criminal justice matters at the highest political and judicial levels, and fosters the strong, united, working Chair relationship with the Bar Council leadership.

Criminal Justice Matters is produced on behalf of theCriminal Bar Association by ⁠AdamBatstone Media &Communications⁠

For any further information on issues raised in this seriescontact: James Rossiter, CBA director of Communications ⁠07985 117887

In this third episode dealing with the Leveson Review, Daniel Oscroft, a specialist criminal barrister with over 20 years’ experience who practices from No5 Chambers, discusses the existing inefficiencies in the criminal courts system with Simon Spence KC and Kate Bex KC.

The Leveson Review was commissioned by the Government and published on 9 July 2025. In his report, Sir Brian Leveson made a series of recommendations including limiting the right to jury trial, resolving more cases before they reach the courts, and the creation of a new Crown Court Bench Division which would see judges sit alongside two magistrates to deal with some cases without any jury present.

Following a wide-ranging consultation with interested parties, and a survey of all practicing criminal Barristers,the CBA’s position on Part 1 of the Leveson Review has been settled and can be found here:

The full CBA response sent to the Leveson Review on 3 February 2025, can be found here.

Sir Brian Leveson is due to publish a second part to his review which is expected to look at how to improve efficiency within the Criminal Courts in the Autumn.

Criminal Justice Matters is produced on behalf of the Criminal Bar Association by Adam Batstone Media &Communications

For any further information on issues raised in this series contact: James Rossiter, CBA director of Communications

07985117887