"Today I am calling time on the courts emergency that has left victims of the most serious crimes waiting years for justice and pushed the justice system to the brink of collapse. For many victims, justice delayed is often justice denied. Some give up on the process, while others have no confidence justice will be served if they report a crime, and perpetrators never held to account."
"Lammy is expected to announce the government's response to recommendations made by Sir Brian Leveson in July to change the courts system and tackle the backlog. Leveson suggested diverting more offences to magistrates courts or to a new intermediate court called the crown court bench division, where a judge would hear cases with two lay magistrates. Juries would be reserved to hear the most serious cases and lesser either way offences when a judge deems it appropriate."
Courts in England and Wales face an outstanding backlog of roughly 78,000 cases projected to reach 100,000 by 2028. Plans propose restricting jury trials to the most serious crimes, including murder, rape and manslaughter, and to offences carrying prison sentences over five years. Proposals include diverting more offences to magistrates' courts or creating an intermediate crown court bench division where a judge would hear cases with two lay magistrates. The package includes £550m investment over three years to support victims and witnesses. Leading legal groups and pressure organisations warn of increased miscarriage-of-justice risks and diminished public confidence.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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