Independent Review of the Criminal Courts

This overview summarises Sir Brian Leveson’s Independent Review of the Criminal Courts, commissioned to address severe and worsening backlogs that have left justice “delayed and thus denied.” It outlines the core causes: chronic underfunding, increasing case complexity, workforce shortages, digital evidence burdens, and fragmented governance. The Review proposes structural reform, improved collaboration between agencies, expanded use of technology, strengthened case management, changes to magistrates’ and Crown Court processes, and new trial models including judge‑alone options. It emphasises that only a combined approach, resource investment, efficiency improvements and systemic reform can restore timely, fair and effective criminal justice.

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