Crown Court Backlog Soars to Unprecedented Levels in England and Wales
The crown court backlog in England and Wales has reached a record level, prompting calls for urgent reforms to the justice system.
Crown Court Backlog Hits Record High
The crown court backlog in England and Wales has reached an astonishing record, with open cases totaling 78,329 by the end of June. This marks a 2% increase from March and a staggering 10% jump compared to last year’s figures, as reported by the Ministry of Justice.
In a system that seems to be under mounting pressure, 19,164 cases have been pending for over a year, the highest since records began. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of this issue, stating, "Today’s statistics show the crown court backlog has hit a new record high and it lays bare the unacceptable wait victims face." He added that while significant investment has been made to improve the courts, monetary influx alone won't resolve the backlog crisis.
As the government prepares to unveil its response to Sir Brian Leveson’s ambitious reform proposals this autumn, the backlog continues to swell, with some cases not slated for trial until 2029. The proposed reforms aim to modify the jury trial system and create a new crown court format where judges preside over cases, all in an effort to prevent a total collapse of the justice system.
Shockingly, nearly a third of the backlog comprises cases related to violence against individuals, with sexual offences and drug-related cases also contributing significantly. The recent statistics highlight an alarming rise in sexual offence cases, up 20% from last year.
Speaking on the matter, Judge Anthony Lowe at Shrewsbury Crown Court criticized the lengthy delays, stating, "It is not a proper justice system where people are having to wait that length of time for their trial." With a record number of cases piling up, the Criminal Bar Association chairwoman warned of the unsustainable nature of the current system, calling for urgent infrastructure improvements and reopening closed courtrooms.
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