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The human cost of court delays

The court backlog in England and Wales has reached a record high, with some victims, defendants and witnesses having to wait years for trial. Is there a way to fix the problem?

Justice delayed is justice denied - the court backlog in England and Wales has reached a record high and suspects being charged with new offences are regularly told they may not get a trial until 2027. Some courts are already booking court dates for 2028. The government has commissioned an independent review of criminal courts to work out how to cut waiting times. A victim of crime and a criminal defence solicitor tell Dr Joelle Grogan about the human cost of court delays.

Also on the programme, the MP introducing a law to end the abuse of Lasting Powers of Attorney and what can someone do when their ex refuses to pay child maintenance?

Presenter: Dr Joelle Grogan
Producers: Ravi Naik and Louise Clarke
Editor: Tara McDermott

Contributors:
Tracey Moloney, solicitor, Moloney Family Solicitors
Stephen Davies, criminal defence solicitor at Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors
Tom Franklin, CEO of the Magistrates Association
Professor Carolyn Stephens, whose father was a victim of LPA abuse
Fabian Hamilton, Labour MP for Leeds North East.

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28 minutes

Last on

Tue 25 Mar 2025 21:00

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  • Wed 19 Mar 2025 15:00
  • Tue 25 Mar 2025 21:00

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