The UK government is putting forward significant reforms to address a burgeoning backlog in the courts that has people waiting years for their cases to be heard. With the Crown Court backlog soaring to a record seventy-six thousand nine hundred fifty-seven cases, Sir Brian Leveson, chairman of the independent review of criminal courts, is advocating for a reduction in the number of jury trials. The recommendations aim to divert less severe cases to magistrates or a new Crown Court Bench Division, freeing up approximately nine thousand sitting days annually.

Under the proposed changes, jury trials will now be reserved for the most serious offences while simpler cases and those with maximum custodial sentences of two years or less will face reduced penalties. Other reforms include the raising of the threshold for criminal damage to be considered a summary-only offence from five thousand to ten thousand pounds, and the possibility of allowing more cases to be settled out of court.

The criminal justice system is under increasing pressure, with critics warning of an impending collapse unless prompt actions are taken. As courts struggle to cope with rising caseloads, victims, witnesses, and defendants face unacceptable delays, sometimes lasting years. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledges the need for innovative reforms to restore efficiency to the system and deliver timely justice to those affected.

This first report by Sir Brian Leveson marks the beginning of a comprehensive review into the efficiency of the courts, with an additional report expected later this year. The Justice Secretary has stated that they will soon respond with potential legislative changes planned for the autumn, as part of a broader plan for change to tackle the crisis in the UK’s court system.