Criminal trials have been held up indefinitely by the need to social distance being at odds with the norm of cramming 12 jurors into a courtroom. The government of Antigua and Barbuda is planning to implement no-jury trials in some circumstances to alleviate the problem. We discuss the rights of the accused to a fair trial and whether a verdict by a jury of peers should always be considered a part of that right. We get the views of Jamaica's top prosecutor, the head of Antigua and Barbuda's Bar Association, and two other attorneys from Antigua and Barbuda, and from Barbados. The host is Kieron Murdoch.

The guests are:

1. Lenworth Johnson, attorney-at-law practicing for over 23 years, and President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association (ABBA);
2. Andrew O’Kola, attorney-at-law in Antigua and Barbuda.
3. Paula Llewellyn QC, Director of Public Prosecutions in Jamaica.
4. Richard Guyson Mayers, attorney-at-law in Barbados.

This programme first aired on NewsCo Observer Radio 91.1 FM on January 24, 2021.