The public is overwhelmingly opposed to plans to slash the right to a jury trial, according to a new survey.

Research commissioned by groups representing the legal profession show two out of three people oppose plans to reduce the number of jury trials.

The poll, commissioned by the Bar Council, the Law Society and the Criminal Bar Association, showed voters are strongly opposed to plans in Lord Justice Auld's review of the criminal courts to reduce the number of jury trials.

Researchers found 85 per cent trust a jury to come to the right decision and 82 per cent think jury trial is fairer than trial by a judge. They also found 69 per cent of people would prefer to retain jury trial rather than cut costs.

David Bean QC, chairman of the Bar Council, called on ministers to think again.

"The evidence is clear: people trust juries. Recent reports of a government change of heart on the issue, if true, are vindicated by these findings, which show that support for juries is rock solid," he said.David McIntosh, president of the Law Society, said it would be a mistake for the government to continue with its plans.

"These results reinforce what we already knew - that the public have faith in the jury system and support our campaign to preserve rights to jury trial. This is a vital cornerstone of the justice system, to remove this right in the face of such overwhelming opposition would be a huge mistake," he said.