Trials across the country accelerated for fast and fair justice
Victims across the country are now getting fast and fair justice as ‘Short Trial Courts’ are rolled out nationwide to cut the Crown Court backlog.
- Domestic abuse, drug and knife crime cases to be prioritised by certain courts
- Part of nationwide drive to cut the court backlog and get fast, fair justice for victims
- Expansion comes as the Courts and Tribunals Bill returns to Parliament
Judges, supported by court staff, are using the initiative – previously known as Blitz Courts – to help cut mounting court delays that have left victims waiting years for justice.
The scheme works by grouping similar cases together over a short, intensive period, focusing judicial expertise, prosecutors’ times and court staff knowledge in one place so cases can be resolved more quickly and efficiently.
As a result of the Government’s decision to un-cap Crown Court sitting days, judges are now able to accelerate domestic abuse, drug and knife-crime cases at several sites in London, including the Old Bailey, Snaresbrook and Croydon Crown Court. The scheme is also being deployed at court sites across Liverpool, Preston and Nottingham.
Minister for Courts, Sarah Sackman KC MP said:
We inherited a system where victims across the country were waiting too long for their day in court. That is why we are making changes to do things differently, by working with the judiciary to cut delays and get our courts moving faster.
Judges, supported by court staff across the country are already proving what can be achieved by targeting resources where they are needed most, accelerating cases, cutting the backlog and delivering the fast justice that victims deserve.
The scheme has seen results in two dedicated courtrooms at the Old Bailey throughout the summer, assisting in efforts to clear a backlog of nearly 500 assaults on emergency workers.
As a result, almost 50 per cent of this type of outstanding cases have already concluded, getting fast and fair justice for the frontline heroes attacked in the line of duty.
Its success has led to judges choosing to accelerate possession of a bladed article cases, delivering justice and better protecting communities blighted by knife crime.
The expansion coincides with the return of the Courts and Tribunals Bill to Parliament this week, where the Government will amend the Bill to remove proposals to limit jury trials, ensuring almost all Crown Court cases continue to be heard by a jury.
Millions more will be invested in new technology to modernise the courts and cut inefficiencies, while judges will be given the resources they need to hear more cases. Together with vital structural reforms, these measures will help build a justice system fit for the 21st century.