Crown Court Backlog Hits Record High Amid Major Reforms
Crown courts across England and Wales are grappling with an unprecedented backlog, with the number of outstanding cases soaring to a record high of more than 80,000. Ministry of Justice figures, published on Thursday, reveal that 80,203 cases were awaiting resolution at the close of last year.
This marks an 8 per cent increase from the 74,106 recorded in the preceding 12 months. The current figures represent more than double the level seen in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic, when 38,108 cases were outstanding.
Escalating Crisis in the Justice System
Data published in December 2025 showed the open caseload was 79,619 at the end of September, up 2 per cent from 78,096 at the end of June. It is also up 9 per cent from the same point a year earlier, according to Ministry of Justice figures.
This escalating crisis comes after the Government announced plans to scale back jury trials as part of court reforms, a measure intended to address the growing backlog within the justice system.
David Lammy's Controversial Proposals
David Lammy announced plans to scale back jury trials as part of court reforms in a bid to cut the rising backlog of cases. His proposals would limit jury trials to cases where a sentence of three years or more is likely, with these instead being heard by a single crown court judge.
Additionally, magistrates' courts would gain the power to handle cases with a potential sentence of up to two years. The Deputy Prime Minister previously warned MPs of the "stark" choice as he argued, "we cannot continue with this rising backlog".
He told MPs the proposals were "progressive", and if no action was taken, the backlog could reach 200,000 cases in a decade.
Backbench Criticism and Opposition
A significant number of Labour backbenchers criticised the proposed reforms, including Kingston upon Hull East's MP Karl Turner who branded the changes "unworkable, unpopular, unjust and unnecessary".
The reforms have sparked debate about the balance between efficiency and justice in the court system, with concerns raised about the potential impact on defendants' rights and the traditional role of juries in serious criminal cases.
As the backlog continues to grow, pressure mounts on the government to find effective solutions that address both the immediate crisis and the long-term sustainability of the justice system in England and Wales.
