Alex Chalk KC, the former Justice Secretary, has proposed a radical solution to the escalating backlog in Crown Courts @CrimeLineLaw

Alex Chalk KC, the former Justice Secretary, has proposed a radical solution to the escalating backlog in Crown Courts, which is expected to exceed 80,000 cases. He suggests creating a third tier of criminal courts to alleviate pressure, allowing magistrates to handle minor offences while the new tier addresses cases of moderate seriousness without juries. “If we are going to stem the flow of cases going into the crown court… there is a ready-made solution on the stocks,” Mr Chalk argues, insisting that drastic measures are necessary to ensure timely justice. Mr Chalk has stressed the importance of maintaining the jury system while adapting to current challenges, saying: “I’m a passionate believer in the jury system: it’s a safeguard of our liberties.” His plan aims to reduce the Crown Court backlog to around 40,000 cases, addressing delays that have worsened due to the pandemic and other factors.

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