Contempt threat against climate activist may undermine trial by jury, lawyers say

The statue of justice atop the Old Bailey, London, where Trudi Warner was committed for contempt proceedings. The solicitor general is now discussing how to proceed. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

Leading lawyers have accused the government of undermining trial by jury after a climate activist was told she faces contempt proceedings over holding a sign outside court.

The placard allegedly held by Trudi Warner, 68, outside a trial of fellow climate activists in March, read: “Jurors: you have an absolute right to acquit a defendant according to your conscience.”