Covid-19 Backlog of Cases 2020-12-10
2020-12-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The backlog of criminal cases has caused delays in justice access, with the Law Society suggesting that legal aid and early advice funding can help manage court efficiency.
What steps she is taking with the CPS and partner agencies to reduce the backlog of cases due to the COVID-19 outbreak? As the Law Society has pointed out, investing in legal aid for early advice will ensure judicial time is used efficiently. What is the Attorney General doing with the Lord Chancellor to fund legal aid properly to tackle the backlog?
The criminal justice response has been collaborative, with the CPS working closely with partner agencies to manage larger caseloads and ensure maximum throughput. The Government invested £51 million into the criminal legal aid fee scheme in August.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on what the Attorney General is doing with the Lord Chancellor regarding funding for early advice and legal aid were not provided, only general statements about collaboration and past investments.
Working Closely
I Thank
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The backlog of cases has delayed justice access, and the Law Society suggested funding legal aid for early advice to manage court efficiency.
The backlog delays in accessing justice have been highlighted by the Law Society. They suggest investing in legal aid for early advice will ensure judicial time is used efficiently. What actions are being taken with Lord Chancellor to fund this properly and tackle backlogs?
The Attorney General, along with the Lord Chancellor and Government Departments, supports publicly funded lawyers. Changes were made to the CPS system for fee payments during the pandemic, and £51 million was invested in August into criminal legal aid.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on funding early advice or tackling backlogs directly were not provided; only general support statements and past investments mentioned.
I Am Working
Changes To System
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Lord Chief Justice has observed a significant number of multi-handed organised crime cases coming into the Crown court in the coming year, adding pressure due to social distancing requirements and listing delays.
Recognising the hard work by justice staff during the pandemic, how is the CPS planning to deal with the pressures from upcoming large-scale organised crime cases given current challenges?
To tackle backlogs and support court recovery, CPS moved Crown advocates for increased resources in reviewing cases and offered secondments to the Bar. This move ensures readiness for trials and supports court plans.
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Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The CPS backlog has increased, victims of domestic violence are being directed to civil action, and prosecutions for such cases have decreased.
The CPS backlog is up 55% since March; victims of domestic violence face police advice on pursuing civil actions instead due to court overload; domestic abuse prosecutions fell by 19%. What specific measures is the Attorney General taking to support these victims?
The interim charging protocol prioritised high-harm cases, including those involving domestic abuse or serious violence. Section 28 has been rolled out in Crown courts since February to benefit vulnerable victims giving evidence.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures regarding the backlog and direct support for victims were not fully addressed; only general protocols mentioned.
I Wish
I Disagree
Response accuracy