The Leveson Review of the Criminal Justice System - Key Proposals Unpacked

Introduction

Sir Brian Leveson’s comprehensive review has just been published, spanning 378 pages with 45 bold recommendations. From rethinking low-level offence procedures to reshaping the structure of the Crown Court, this review proposes sweeping reforms that could redefine how justice is delivered in England and Wales.

This 30 minute webinar will unpack the most impactful proposals - including diversions from prosecution, changes to Magistrates’ Court powers, reclassification of offences, and the creation of a new Crown Court Bench Division.

Whether you are a legal professional, policymaker, or simply someone invested in justice, this session will equip you with the insights needed to understand what is at stake and what could change.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• The recommendations concerning diversions from the criminal justice system whereby people are not charged but are dealt with by way of an out-of-court diversion
• Removal of the right of election for certain low-level offences
• The ability to amend the sentencing powers of the Magistrates’ Court by Statutory Instrument to be removed
• Amendments to the allocation and sending procedure
• Amendment to the value concerning Criminal damage
• A list of either-way offences to be reclassified as being summary-only
• The maximum sentence for those summary-only offences to be increased
• Time limits as regards the institution of proceedings for those specific summary-only offences
• The replacement of an automatic right of appeal to the Crown Court
• Amendments to criminal legal aid
• Alteration in the amount of credit to be awarded in the event of a timely guilty plea
• The creation of a new Division of the Crown Court to be called the Crown Court Bench Division (CCBD)

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Tuesday 17th February 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 1,900+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.