UK Courts Face Record Backlog of Cases

The UK is facing a significant backlog in its criminal courts, with the number of cases at Crown Courts rising to 73,105—nearly double pre-pandemic figures. In response, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has initiated a comprehensive review led by retired high court judge Sir Brian Leveson, which may include proposals to limit jury trials for less serious offenses and introduce a new intermediate tier of courts. The Labour government, which has already released thousands of prisoners early due to overcrowding, aims to expedite legal processes and improve waiting times, which have reached their longest in over a decade. Critics, including legal advocates, express concern that reducing jury trial rights could undermine fundamental judicial protections. Initial recommendations from the review are expected next year, as the government grapples with the consequences of pandemic-related delays and pre-existing inefficiencies in the justice system. The situation has prompted a broader discussion about the effectiveness and fairness of the current court structure amid rising incarceration rates in the UK.