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Crown Court Backlog Hits 80,203 Cases Amid Legal Aid Reforms

3/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sarah Sackman KC, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, warns the Crown Court backlog has risen to 80,203 cases, up 8% from last year, delaying victims.
Rape cases take 429 days on average.
The government plans to invest £92 million in legal aid and remove financial limits on court sitting days.
Labour MPs say the reforms, including limiting jury trials, are unworkable and unjust.

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Story summary

Sarah Sackman KC, Minister for Courts and Legal Services, warns the Crown Court backlog has risen to 80,203 cases, up 8% from last year, delaying victims.
Rape cases take 429 days on average.
The government plans to invest £92 million in legal aid and remove financial limits on court sitting days.
Labour MPs say the reforms, including limiting jury trials, are unworkable and unjust.