In a statement yesterday, the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Secretary of State for Justice, outlined his proposals to radically change the justice system and make significant investment in the services that support people going through court.
Clearing delays in the court system
We are pleased to see any action that deals with the court backlog and improves the experience for people going through the criminal justice system. Accordingly, we appreciate the government’s recognition that change is necessary by responding to the Leveson Review. While welcoming the proposals, we feel this is a matter that requires serious and considered discussion and we look forward to engaging in this discussion wherever possible.
CEO of CASS+ responds
Steve Parker, CEO of CASS+, responds to the announcement:
Our justice system needs urgent reform. Like other regions across the country, the courts in Devon and Cornwall are facing significant challenges. In particular, delays cause emotional distress for victims, witnesses and defendants alike. Many of the people who come through our door are distraught and in crisis. Most need help with the underlying reason for being in court. Delays increase their distress and compound the issues. Most importantly, we need a system that delivers a fair process within a reasonable timeframe.
Finding solutions to complicated situations
We work so hard to find solutions to the complicated situations people face. As a result, we share the frustrations of the professionals around us who work so hard to do their best by everyone. We see their commitment whilst trying to make the best of a failing system in need of reform and investment.
Jury trials remain the cornerstone of our justice system
It’s important that everyone feels confident that justice is delivered. Understandably, there is a great deal of concern over the proposals. We acknowledge people’s concerns about the impact on fairness of the justice system. People have the right to a fair trial. On this basis, we recognise that jury trials are and should remain the cornerstone of our justice system.
New swift courts can clear the backlog
There is a huge backlog in the crown courts. These new ‘swift courts’ with one judge will cover any cases with an expected sentence of three years or less. This is a significant change, moving away from some of the costly and time-consuming jury trials. We welcome the proposal in principle, but remain mindful of the need to preserve jury trials for the most serious matters. Furthermore, it will be important to strike a careful balance between maintaining public confidence and delivering the reforms the system clearly requires. Ultimately, we look forward to informing that discussion whenever possible.
Government pledge of funding
We are particularly heartened by the pledge of £550 million multi-year funding for practical and emotional support at court. We see this as an acknowledgement of the value of our work and the difference we can make by supporting people going through the justice system. Our goal is to ensure that advice and support are available in every court so we look forward to hearing how this will be implemented. We want to contribute to the debate.
The Leveson Review
Lord Leveson, one of our most eminent judges, has laid out his recommendations in his Review Part 1. Yesterday’s statement is the government’s response to his independent review.
Above all, we are pleased to hear that the government response to part 2 of this review will deal with court efficiency. We hope that all future reform and modernisation will ensure:
– Increased capacity within the court system
– Appropriate access to legal advice
– Facilities that are fit to deliver justice in the modern world
– Systems that use technology to support efficiency but do not hinder access
– Services that support people going through the justice system and address the underlying reasons for going through court
– Services that reduce the risk of re-offending
Making a dent in the backlog
In short, we are pleased to see the commitment to delivering a swift and effective justice system. We hope these proposals will help reduce the huge backlog of serious cases in the crown courts. Finally, we are encouraged by the recognition that our justice system requires reform and investment.
Want to learn more about our service?
Contact admin@cassplus.org if you want to support people to overcome challenges which are often the result of the cost-of-living crisis and some of the biggest issues facing our society today.
Contact admin@cassplus.org to include us in your debates and plans to improve the justice system.