House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Independent Review of the Criminal Courts
12 December 2024 · Ministry of Justice
Proposed by Shabana Mahmood Lab Birmingham Ladywood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The UK government has announced an independent review of the criminal courts to address the backlog in the Crown Court system.
- Sir Brian Leveson is tasked with conducting the review, focusing on reforming case handling processes and enhancing operational efficiency.
- The review will explore the use of new technologies, intermediate courts, and other measures to deliver swifter justice.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the increasing backlog in the UK's Crown Court system and announces an independent review to address systemic issues.
Action requested
I have asked Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review of the criminal courts, focusing on reforming case handling processes and improving operational efficiency through new technologies. The review aims to deliver swifter justice by examining court use, intermediate courts, and technological advancements.
Key facts
- The Crown Court caseload has risen to around 73,000 cases from 38,000 in December 2019.
- Victims are waiting up to six years for some trials.
- There are sixteen Nightingale courtrooms across seven venues in use.
- Approximately 1,000 judges and tribunal members are being recruited annually.
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