The UK government is responding to severe backlogs in Crown Courts by increasing the number of judges, allowing them to hear cases for a total of 110,000 days. This initiative aims to address a backlog of 73,000 unresolved cases exacerbated by recent issues such as the pandemic and barristers' strikes. Victims are suffering considerable trauma while awaiting justice, with some resorting to harmful coping mechanisms. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that reducing the backlog is vital for public safety, as ongoing reviews will inform future improvements in court processes.
The government has pledged to fund judges to run more courtrooms, responding to record delays and backlogs in Crown Courts, ensuring justice for victims.
Victims Commissioner Baroness Newlove reported that crime victims are suffering profoundly from delays, with some resorting to drugs and self-harm due to trauma.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the urgency to tackle the backlog, which she connected directly to the commitment to safe streets and victim justice.
Baroness Sue Carr pointed to a severe shortage of sitting judges and how the sitting day cap drastically hampers the court's ability to manage cases effectively.
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