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Court Modernisation
24 February 2026
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement addresses structural reforms in the criminal justice system as recommended by Sir Brian Leveson's Independent Review of Criminal Courts (IRCC) to improve efficiency and modernise the court system.
Action Requested
The minister announces several measures including a National Listing Framework for standardised case scheduling, pilot programmes for AI-assisted listing tools, increased case progression functions with specialised staff in every Crown Court, 'Blitz Courts' in London, investment in remote hearing technology, improvements to prisoner transfer services, and further modernisation of civil courts and lawtech.
Key Facts
- Sir Brian Leveson published the second part of his Independent Review of Criminal Courts (IRCC) focused on driving efficiency and modernising the system.
- The Lady Chief Justice will publish a National Listing Framework to standardise case listing processes in England and Wales.
- Pilots for AI-assisted listing tools are underway in Preston and Isleworth Crown Courts.
- There are plans to implement 'Blitz Courts' in London starting April 2026, focusing initially on cases involving assaults on emergency workers.
- The Government is investing over £50 million to digitise the County Court and over £20 million for a new digital system in the High Court.
- Over one million claims have been issued through existing digital services for making money claims and damages claims.
- The UK lawtech sector receives an annual commitment of £1.5m for three years to support growth.
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