The backlog of cases in the Crown Court has risen again, from 59,361 in July 2022 to 64,015 in July this year, according to the latest government figures, released last week
The number of cases outstanding in the magistrates’ courts also rose, from 336,861 in July 2022 to 353,406 in July this year.
Law Society President Lubna Shuja said the government’s target of reducing the Crown Court backlog to 53,000 by March 2025 ‘now looks like wishful thinking’.
Meanwhile, Preston Magistrates’ Court this week became the second court to close, after Harrow Crown Court, due to concerns about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
