Crown Court Backlog Reaches All-Time High in England and Wales
The number of open cases has risen significantly, prompting warnings of a potential crisis in the judicial system.
The backlog of cases in crown courts across England and Wales has reached a record high, with official statistics indicating that the open caseload stood at 74,651 at the end of December 2024. This figure marks an increase from 73,172 at the end of September and represents an 11% rise compared to 67,317 at the same time the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Justice.
The data also revealed that 5,564 cases had been pending for two years or more as of December 2024. This shows a slight reduction from 5,927 cases recorded at the end of 2023, but reflects a more than fivefold increase from the 1,104 cases that had been open for two years or more at the end of 2020.
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC commented on the rising backlog, stating that the statistics illustrate the magnitude of the issues inherited within the courts system.
She warned that if current trends continue, the backlog could escalate to as high as 100,000 cases by the end of 2029. Sackman highlighted that the government has already announced substantial investments in the court system, but emphasized the need for further action.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the government has commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review aimed at proposing comprehensive reforms intended to enhance the efficiency of the court system, which is expected to yield recommendations in the spring.
However, a recent report from the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns regarding the Ministry of Justice’s dependence on the outcomes of the Leveson review, suggesting that this reliance may hinder essential reforms needed to address the backlog.
Additionally, research conducted by the Victims’ Commissioner pointed to the detrimental effects of the soaring crown court delays on victims of crime.
Baroness Newlove expressed apprehension that the prolonged wait for justice is exacerbating the trauma experienced by victims, with many feeling that justice is increasingly unattainable.
Baroness Newlove called for immediate government attention and investment in the trial process, stating, "The Government’s commitment to bringing swifter justice for victims of crime cannot succeed unless and until it focuses on investing in the trial process."
The data also revealed that 5,564 cases had been pending for two years or more as of December 2024. This shows a slight reduction from 5,927 cases recorded at the end of 2023, but reflects a more than fivefold increase from the 1,104 cases that had been open for two years or more at the end of 2020.
Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC commented on the rising backlog, stating that the statistics illustrate the magnitude of the issues inherited within the courts system.
She warned that if current trends continue, the backlog could escalate to as high as 100,000 cases by the end of 2029. Sackman highlighted that the government has already announced substantial investments in the court system, but emphasized the need for further action.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the government has commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to conduct a review aimed at proposing comprehensive reforms intended to enhance the efficiency of the court system, which is expected to yield recommendations in the spring.
However, a recent report from the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns regarding the Ministry of Justice’s dependence on the outcomes of the Leveson review, suggesting that this reliance may hinder essential reforms needed to address the backlog.
Additionally, research conducted by the Victims’ Commissioner pointed to the detrimental effects of the soaring crown court delays on victims of crime.
Baroness Newlove expressed apprehension that the prolonged wait for justice is exacerbating the trauma experienced by victims, with many feeling that justice is increasingly unattainable.
Baroness Newlove called for immediate government attention and investment in the trial process, stating, "The Government’s commitment to bringing swifter justice for victims of crime cannot succeed unless and until it focuses on investing in the trial process."
