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Independent Review of the Criminal Courts – Part 1 Report
09 July 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses the backlog in the UK's criminal courts and the independent review conducted by Sir Brian Leveson.
Action Requested
The minister welcomes Sir Brian Leveson's recommendations and commits to considering them before setting out a full government response in the Autumn. The goal is to reduce waiting times for victims and create a more sustainable justice system.
Key Facts
- As of March 2025, the outstanding caseload in the Crown Court is at a record high of 76,957 cases.
- Projections suggest that by March 2029, open cases could reach 105,000 if no action is taken.
- The report recommends restricting the right to elect for more cases to be heard in Magistrates' Courts and removing juries from some Crown Court trials.
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