Thousands of new magistrates wanted to help clear backlog
Summary
The UK government is seeking thousands of new volunteer magistrates to help reduce a backlog of cases in the courts of England and Wales. The plan aims to increase the number of magistrates by 2,000 in the next financial year. The criminal courts face a record high delay in cases, with some serious crimes potentially not going to trial until 2030.Key Facts
- The UK government wants to recruit thousands of new magistrates as volunteers.
- Since 2022, over 2,000 magistrates have been trained, with plans to add 2,000 more.
- As of early 2023, over 79,600 criminal cases are waiting in the backlog.
- The number of cases in backlog could reach 100,000 by 2028.
- Some serious crime cases charged in 2026 might not be tried before 2030.
- Magistrates hear a variety of cases including criminal, youth, and civil matters.
- All magistrates volunteer at least 13 days a year.
- Currently, 57% of magistrates are women, and 14% come from ethnic minority backgrounds.
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