British justice faces a deep backlog in criminal courts

The Ministry of Justice reports about 80,000 outstanding cases and roughly 2,600 crown court trials are not scheduled to start until 2028 or later.

Court proceedings in England and Wales are experiencing prolonged delays that have attracted attention across politics. The Ministry of Justice reports a large backlog of cases and many crown court trials are scheduled years ahead. The government has set out reforms including extra funding, 'blitz' courts, increased digitalisation and a proposal to limit jury trials in some lower-sentencing matters. Officials and advocacy figures have said the delays add to the burden on victims and on the wider justice system. Key facts: - The Ministry of Justice reports about 80,000 outstanding cases across magistrates' courts, crown courts and tribunals. - Around 2,600 crown court trials are listed to start no earlier than 2028, according to the report. - The government has proposed measures including blitz courts, more digitalisation and a legislative change to allow panels of judges to replace jury trials where the maximum sentence is three years. - The victims' commissioner, Claire Waxman, is reported as describing the delays as "inhumane". Summary: The backlog is presented as placing sustained pressure on the criminal justice system and on those affected by delayed proceedings. The government’s reform programme, including a bill that would change jury arrangements in some cases, is the next stated step and is due to proceed through the Commons and the Lords.