Covid-19 Recovery of Criminal Justice System
2021-11-18
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The easing of COVID-19 restrictions has impacted the criminal justice system's recovery. The question focuses on steps being taken to support this recovery.
What steps is she taking with (a) the CPS, (b) Government Legal Service and (c) Cabinet colleagues to support the recovery of the criminal justice system since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions?
The Law Officers frequently meet the CPS and colleagues in the Ministry of Justice and elsewhere to progress the recovery of the criminal justice system. The budget for the CPS has been significantly increased with an additional £85 million at the 7019 spending review, and a 12% uplift over the period of this spending review, to help recruit and retain prosecutors and modernise digital infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Court capacity issues and specific measures beyond budget increases were not addressed in detail
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The backlog of cases in magistrates courts has not been fully resolved despite measures to increase judicial retirement age. The question asks for additional measures to clear the backlog.
What other measures can be taken, over and above what is already happening, to ensure that we can get through the substantial backlog in our courts, particularly our magistrates courts?
Magistrates courts hear more than 90% of all criminal cases. In some parts, backlogs have been cleared; additional courts on Saturdays and plexiglass installations in courtrooms are measures taken to support recovery. Planned trial blitz courts for later this year aim to maintain momentum.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures beyond those already mentioned were not provided
Response accuracy