Story perspectives

Reforms Aim to Tackle Court Backlog, Risk Racial Disparities

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The prime minister's spokesperson says reform, investment, and efficiency address the backlog in criminal courts.
Curtailing jury trials would have little impact, as they are not the backlog's main cause.
The changes may disproportionately affect Black complainants, witnesses, and defendants.
In 2025, five circuit judges were identified as Black or Black British.
David Lammy, MP, warned in 2017 that curtailing jury trials could worsen the trust deficit.

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Story summary

The prime minister's spokesperson says reform, investment, and efficiency address the backlog in criminal courts.
Curtailing jury trials would have little impact, as they are not the backlog's main cause.
The changes may disproportionately affect Black complainants, witnesses, and defendants.
In 2025, five circuit judges were identified as Black or Black British.
David Lammy, MP, warned in 2017 that curtailing jury trials could worsen the trust deficit.