Court waiting times undermine justice
News
New figures* published today by the Ministry of Justice show a record Crown Court backlog of more than 76,957 cases.
There are also 310,304 outstanding cases in the magistrates’ court.
The Law Society of England and Wales is calling on the UK government to invest in justice and tackle the criminal court backlogs. Everyone should be able to access swift justice.
“Justice is a vital public service. Investing in our courts and tackling backlogs will maintain the world-class reputation of our justice system,” said Law Society president Richard Atkinson.
“Everyone of us should be able to access justice in a timely fashion regardless of background.
“But right now, thousands of victims, witnesses and defendants are denied this vital public service due to the slow speed of justice.
“Sufficient funding of our courts and those who work within them could free them from the legal limbo caused by long waits.
“The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts and Independent Sentencing Review must be backed with sufficient investment as must the legal aid system which underpins them for the government to meet its responsibility to support our criminal justice system for the common good.
“A fair and functioning justice system is a key reason why England and Wales is seen around the world as a jurisdiction of choice for people to resolve their disputes.
“Assuring the quality of our criminal justice system will help to ensure that the UK maintains its reputation as a global legal centre, which is crucial to the country’s economy.”
Notes to editors
*The Crown Court backlog reached 76,957 by the end of March 2025, 11% higher than March 2024, (69,021 cases). Of those, 18,093 Crown Court cases have been outstanding for a year or more.
The magistrates’ court backlog increased by 13% on the previous year, 310,304 compared to 273,498 at the end of March 2024.
See the Criminal court statistics quarterly: January to March 2025.
Read more about the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts.
Read more about the Independent Sentencing Review.
About the Law Society
The Law Society is celebrating 200 years of supporting solicitors in England and Wales. It is the independent professional body that works globally to support and represent solicitors, promoting the highest professional standards, the public interest and the rule of law.
Press office contact: Kelis Edwards | 020 3657 0144 | Rachel Boateng