The Deputy PM is expected to outline the Government’s blueprint for a fair and fast criminal justice system next week, which comes with nearly 80,000 cases waiting to be heard in the Crown Court
David Lammy has claimed Labour “inherited a courts emergency” ahead of sweeping reforms that could see most trials by jury axed.
The Deputy PM is expected to outline the Government’s blueprint for a fair and fast criminal justice system next week, which comes with nearly 80,000 cases waiting to be heard in the Crown Court.
Official figures show the backlog is so severe some of these trial dates are listed as late as 2030, and the number is expected to hit 100,000 if no action is taken.
READ MORE: Minister says ‘no final decision’ made over controversial plans to axe most jury trialsREAD MORE: Lawyers raise concerns over plans to scrap most jury trials
The damning statistics also reveal 60% of those who report being raped are now pulling out before trial, while almost half of the open cases are violent and sexual offences.
Currently, only around 3% of criminal cases are heard with a judge and a jury, with over 90% being dealt with in the magistrates’ courts. As a result, just 42% of victims are confident they will get justice if they report a crime.
Ahead of unveiling the reforms, Mr Lammy said: “We inherited a courts emergency; a justice system pushed to the brink. We will not allow victims to suffer the way they did under the last government, we must put victims front and centre of the justice system.
“Behind every one of the thousands of cases waiting to go to trial is a human life put on hold. A rape victim being told their case won’t come before a court until 2029.
“A mother who has lost a child at the hands of a dangerous driver, waiting to see justice done. A teenager assaulted on their way to school, consigned to years of delay before they can start to put their life back on track. For many victims, justice delayed is justice denied.
“This government chooses a system that works for – not against – victims. One that finally gives brave survivors the justice they deserve.”
A review of the courts system by Brian Leveson recommended juries be reserved to hear the most serious cases, with lower offences diverted to magistrates’ courts or to the proposed Crown Court Bench Division for trials to be heard by judges.
Revealed earlier this week, the plans sparked a furious backlash from legal groups, who warned it would do little to address the massive court backlog.
The Bar Council, which represents barristers in England and Wales, warned such radical reforms could see trust in the justice system decimated, while the Criminal Bar Association called it a “coordinated campaign against public justice”.
