Politics and Government Politics and Government
Thu, December 12, 2024

Court waiting lists hit new record high and show scale of out-of-control criminal system


Published on 2024-12-12 05:20:57 - Daily Express
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  • More victims of crime are facing agonising waits for justice as the number of cases waiting to be heard hit a new record high, figures show. The Crown Court backlog hit a staggering 73,015 in September,

The article from Express.co.uk discusses the severe backlog in the UK's court system, highlighting that over 66,000 cases are currently waiting to be heard, with some individuals facing waits of up to two years for their trials. This backlog has been exacerbated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to court closures and social distancing measures, significantly reducing the capacity to process cases. The situation has led to concerns about justice being delayed, with particular mention of the impact on victims of crime, who face prolonged periods of uncertainty and distress. The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged the issue, pointing to efforts to increase court capacity through measures like Nightingale courts and extended sitting hours, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the systemic issues causing these delays.

Read the Full Daily Express Article at:
[ https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1987740/Court-waiting-list ]
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