Criminal Justice System Progress of Cases 2024-09-10
2024-09-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the long delays in criminal cases being heard at court.
What steps she is taking to help reduce the time taken for criminal cases to be heard at court.
We are committed to ensuring the swift delivery of justice for victims at all stages of the criminal justice system. We plan to sit more than 105,000 working days in the Crown court this financial year and continue hearing cases at Nightingale courts. Other measures will be considered to speed up justice.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timeline for reducing delays were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the long delays in making a decision on whether to prosecute those involved in the Grenfell tragedy.
After waiting seven years for the Grenfell inquiry to report, the bereaved families and survivors have now been told that they must wait two or possibly three years for a decision on whether and whom to prosecute. Can the Minister tell me what is being done to address these delays and whether things such as artificial intelligence are being contemplated?
The Government fully support the Metropolitan police and Crown Prosecution Service completing their investigations. All forms of technology will be considered as part of that process.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timeline for reducing delays were not provided
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the shortage of barristers in criminal cases.
How will the Minister address the shortage at the criminal Bar?
We are working with the profession, including the Criminal Bar Association chair Mary Prior, to ensure recruitment and retention of sufficient numbers of barristers at the criminal Bar.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or timeline for addressing shortages were not provided
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the delays in legal cases inherited from previous administrations and the slow response of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Will the Minister urge the CPS to respond faster?
I will take that away and do that.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment or timeline provided
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the decline in legal aid funding and its impact on access to justice.
Does the Minister agree that a properly funded legal aid scheme both here and in Scotland is essential for access to justice, and that the decline in this vital public service is disgraceful?
We are experiencing the long-term effects of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 which has caused challenges in both civil and criminal legal aid sectors. This is crucial for access to justice.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment or timeline provided
Response accuracy