In a significant move to address the staggering backlog of over 80,000 criminal cases, Justice Secretary David Lammy has announced the removal of limits on the number of sitting days for crown courts across England and Wales. This decision, widely welcomed by legal professionals, aims to expedite proceedings and alleviate pressure on the criminal justice system.
Funding Boost for Crown Courts
The government has committed to funding crown courts to operate without restrictions on hearing days during the next financial year. Lammy’s announcement follows constructive discussions with Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, marking a pivotal step in the efforts to reduce case delays that have plagued the system for years.
Historically, caps on court sitting days have been instituted to manage budget constraints and staffing shortages within the Ministry of Justice. However, the latest agreement signals a shift in approach, ensuring that courts can maximise their operational capacity. The Ministry of Justice had previously set a target of 111,250 sitting days for the current year, a figure that is now expected to rise to 113,000 as a result of this new policy.
Financial Commitment to Justice
The government has also approved a £2.8 billion funding settlement for courts and tribunals for the 2026/27 fiscal year, up from £2.5 billion last year. This investment includes £287 million allocated for essential repairs to deteriorating court facilities, signalling a commitment to maintaining the infrastructure of the justice system.
Riel Karmy-Jones KC and Andrew Thomas KC, leaders of the Criminal Bar Association, commended the lifting of the cap as a “brave and significant first step.” They emphasised that this measure is crucial for restoring faith in the system and reducing the backlog, which has caused considerable distress for defendants, witnesses, and legal practitioners alike.
Concerns Over Jury Trials
While the funding and policy changes are seen as positive developments, some advocacy groups remain cautious. Fiona Rutherford, chief executive of the pressure group Justice, acknowledged the significance of the measures but warned against any potential cuts to jury trials, which she argued would undermine public trust in the legal process. “Restricting the right to jury trial would trample on one of the few parts of the system the public still trusts and cutting them would risk more miscarriages of justice, especially for marginalised communities,” she stated.
Lammy is anticipated to unveil additional reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency within the justice system, including the potential implementation of remote hearings, as highlighted in Sir Brian Leveson’s recent review.
Acknowledging the Complexity of Justice
“I have agreed with the judiciary to fund unlimited sitting days in the crown court next year so they can sit at their maximum and so we can turn the tide on the backlog as quickly as possible,” Lammy remarked. He emphasised that while financial investment is essential, it must be complemented by pragmatic reforms and modernisation efforts to truly transform the justice landscape.
Why it Matters
This announcement represents a critical juncture for the UK’s criminal justice system, which has been under strain for far too long. By removing caps on court sitting days and increasing funding, the government is taking concrete steps towards alleviating the backlog that has hindered timely justice. However, ongoing vigilance is necessary to ensure that reforms do not compromise the fundamental rights of defendants or the integrity of the judicial process. The future of public confidence in the justice system hinges on the successful implementation of these changes.
