David Lammy has announced the lifting of the cap on crown court sitting days in England and Wales in an effort to address the backlog of criminal cases.
David Lammy, the justice secretary and deputy prime minister in the UK, has declared that the previous cap on court sitting days will be lifted, allowing crown courts in England and Wales to operate without restrictions in the upcoming financial year. This decision comes as part of the government's strategy to alleviate a significant backlog of around 80,000 criminal cases that have accumulated over recent years. With increased funding, every crown court will be able to hear more cases, marking a shift in previous budgetary constraints that have limited court operations intermittently.
The move has been positively received by criminal barristers, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the government and the judiciary. Notably, this decision follows consultations with Lady Chief Justice Sue Carr, emphasizing a concerted effort to tackle the long-standing challenges faced by the justice system. The Ministry of Justice had already announced plans to increase crown court sitting days from 111,250 days to approximately 113,000, and the removal of the cap will further facilitate this growth, reflecting a commitment to improving judicial efficiency.
This development is crucial not only for the legal professionals involved but also for the individuals awaiting trial and justice within the system. The backlog of cases has created delays that affect defendants, victims, and the overall efficacy of the legal process. By increasing the number of operational days in crown courts, the government aims to restore confidence in the judicial system and ensure timely resolutions for pending cases, ultimately addressing a pressing issue within the UK’s legal framework.
