Trial Processes Efficiency and Economy 2023-05-16
2023-05-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
MP inquires about the potential for improvements in the efficiency and economy of trial processes.
What assessment has been made of the potential for improvements in the efficiency and economy of trial processes?
We are committed to working closely with the judiciary and other partners to improve the efficiency of the criminal courts and family courts, including through the judicial-led cross-system Crown court improvement group. We aim to increase digitisation to reduce access-to-justice costs.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The response avoids specific commitments or timelines on improving trial process efficiency.
We Are Committed To
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
MP acknowledges the Minister's previous examples of reductions in legal costs and delays. He questions if these improvements benefit victims, consumers, taxpayers, and whether other Government Departments can apply similar measures.
I thank the Minister for those examples. Does he agree that those reductions in the costs, delays and complexity of resolving disputes and enforcing the law are good not just for victims and plaintiffs but for consumers and taxpayers, and are also examples of how red tape can be cut without compromising the quality of British justice? So will he keep going on this crusade, and perhaps persuade other Government Departments to apply the same energy and rigour in their portfolios?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. For instance, for online civil money claims the times for issuing, responding and hearing dates are down to 9.4 days from 25 days, while damages claims are down from 11.4 days to one day and financial remedy consent orders are down to four weeks rather than many months.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP raises the case of a constituent murdered in her constituency, questioning why families have to wait over a year for justice. She highlights the human cost of delays.
On 1 May, my constituent Johanita Dogbey was brutally murdered on Stockwell Park Walk in my constituency, an area that I have walked past many times. She was 31 years old. Yesterday, as I held her mother, trying to console her, she asked me why her family have to wait for over a year to get justice. The Minister outlined improving the courts system and efficiency. Does he agree that every day that my constituents have to wait is a sentence for them and that it is about not just the economic cost but the human cost in bringing forward cases so that our victims get the justice they deserve?
The hon. Lady is quite right to raise that point. The Department and the judiciary appreciate the sensitivity of such cases to ensure that the families of victims—and the victims, if they are still with us—do get their day in court so that they can see justice done as fast as possible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister acknowledges the need but does not commit to specific actions or timelines.
We Appreciate
Response accuracy