Law Society calls for urgent action to clear criminal court backlogs

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Law Society President Nick Emmerson has urged the next UK government to make a “sustained investment” into the criminal justice system, as recent figures (released on 13 June) show that the backlog of criminal cases is continuing to grow.

At the end of April there were 68,125 outstanding cases in the crown courts and 387,042 in the magistrates’ courts − up from 60,760 and 338,866 respectively a year prior.

Emmerson stated: “It is alarming to see the criminal court backlogs continue to spiral […] It is unacceptable that victims, witnesses and defendants are having to wait so long, with their lives in limbo, to access justice.”

He highlighted the range of issues facing the criminal justice system, from “crumbling courts and overcrowded prisons” to the falling number of criminal lawyers. Emerson also noted a recent report by the National Audit Office, which found that that there are fewer lawyers practising criminal defence due to “a reduction in legal aid fees, increasing levels of stress and poor working conditions”.

The report also identified the efficiency of the “court estate” as a contributing factor to delays. For example, there are often issues getting “prisoners to court on time”. Emmerson has therefore emphasised that a “sustained investment across the criminal justice system must be a priority for the next UK government.”