UK NEWS
UK TO FAST-TRACK COURT REFORMS AS BACKLOG NEARS 81,000 CASES
The UK government is moving to accelerate changes to the criminal courts after new figures showed that nearly 81,000 cases are currently waiting to be...
By Wavers News
Image credit: UK Government (GOV.UK)
Under changes announced on Sunday, plans to expand the use of judge-only trials for some criminal cases will be dropped, while other reforms aimed at reducing delays will be brought forward.
JURY TRIALS TO REMAIN FOR MORE SERIOUS CASES
The government said more serious criminal cases will continue to be heard before juries, maintaining the jury system as a central part of the Crown Court.
However, lengthy and technically complex fraud and financial cases will be eligible to be heard by a judge without a jury.
The government also plans to give magistrates greater sentencing powers, allowing more cases to be dealt with at that level and potentially reducing pressure on the Crown Court.
TECHNOLOGY TO PLAY GREATER ROLE
Millions of pounds will be invested in technology intended to modernise the courts and improve their efficiency.
The reforms include using artificial intelligence to assist with case listing, expanding virtual hearings and improving arrangements to ensure defendants attend court when required.
The government said almost one-third of the current Crown Court cases waiting for trial have been in the system for at least a year.
COURTS BILL TO RETURN THIS MONTH
The changes will be included in amendments to the Courts and Tribunals Bill, which is due to return to the House of Commons on October 13.
The government also said it would introduce a statutory requirement to assess how structural reforms affect ethnic minorities and people from different backgrounds, with an independent reviewer involved in the process.