Supreme Court presents concept for jury-trial reform
Published · Updated
What happened
The Supreme Court of Russia published a concept for reforming jury trials on 2026-09-23. According to Kommersant, the proposal focuses on rules for acquittals and on liability for interference with jurors.
Why it matters
The publication creates a live policy track inside the judicial system that can move into legislative amendments or guidance for court practice. Any narrowing of jury-trial protections would affect a specific procedural venue in which defendants can sometimes obtain acquittals that are less common in bench trials.
On 2026-09-23, the Supreme Court of Russia presented a reform concept for jury trials that would change how courts handle acquittals and interference with jurors. The step is a concrete move by a named institution within the last 14 days and opens a path toward draft legislation or changes in judicial practice. Because jury trials remain one of the few Russian court venues where acquittals can occur with some regularity, the concept bears on the balance between prosecution, judges, and defense in sensitive criminal cases.
Watch for
State Duma профильный комитет registration of a draft bill on jury-trial procedure by 2026-09-28 Supreme Court publication of explanatory materials or draft amendments on its official portal by 2026-09-28 Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation agenda listing jury-trial reform for discussion by 2026-09-28 No State Duma legislative filing linked to the Supreme Court concept by 2026-09-28
Sources
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