UK Extends Magistrates' Sentencing Powers Amid Court Backlog

The UK government plans to extend magistrates' sentencing powers to 12 months for certain offences, aiming to alleviate the severe backlog in crown courts and reduce the remand population in prisons, which stands at a record 17,000. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that this move is crucial to prevent the prison system from nearing collapse due to overcrowding in reception prisons. The change is expected to save 2,000 days in crown court time, allowing more serious cases to be expedited. The plan has received mixed reactions, with support from the Magistrates' Association but criticism from barristers who fear it might exacerbate prison overcrowding. Implementing this change requires careful investment in the criminal justice system to ensure its effectiveness. The proposal builds on previous attempts to give magistrates greater powers and seeks to address a longstanding crisis in the prison and court systems.