The Latest Breaking News from Crown Courts

UK to deploy AI legal assistants in Crown courts to tackle record case backlog

The UK government will trial artificial intelligence-powered legal assistants in Crown Courts as it seeks to reduce a record backlog of criminal cases and speed up proceedings.

The Times of India · Jun 9

Magistrates courts are already under huge amounts of pressure – cutting jury trials will make things worse

Proposals to cut the use of jury trials for most offences would be one of the most significant legal reforms in UK history. The government’s plans have prompted much debate in legal circles and beyond – mainly around whether they go against the UK’s democratic principles.

The Conversation · May 28

Criminal justice crisis: Courts to sit extra days as defendants and victims face waiting FOUR YEARS for trial

Lawyers welcome the extra court sitting days but urge the government to go further to clear the backlog

Evening Standard · Oct 1, 2025

Massive funding needed to avert justice crisis, say barristers set to strike over legal aid

Walkouts on Monday are expected to be accompanied by picket lines outside Crown Courts around the country

Evening Standard · Jun 21, 2022