Time to tackle the backlog of criminal cases to make sure justice continues to be served - the YEP says

While much of normal life has ground to a halt as a result of coronavirus, serious crime is unfortunately very much continuing.
The centuries-old idea of providing justice to all must endure. Credit: Adobe StockThe centuries-old idea of providing justice to all must endure. Credit: Adobe Stock
The centuries-old idea of providing justice to all must endure. Credit: Adobe Stock

In just one tragic example, domestic abuse killings are reported to have more than doubled – with 14 women and two children killed in the first three weeks of lockdown.

It is in this context, combined with jury trials being halted since March, that leading barrister Richard Wright QC is calling for the creation of ‘Nightingale Courts’ to start tackling the huge backlog of cases now building up in the justice system.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Wright, leader of the North Eastern Circuit, has said the Ministry of Justice should “take a leaf out of the NHS’s book” and look to utilise empty buildings, especially those already in public ownership, for special socially distanced hearings.

It was revealed last week that coronavirus could prompt the biggest changes to jury trials since World War Two.

According to the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Burnet, social distancing could mean fewer jurors at trials and sittings moved to bigger buildings such as university lecture theatres,

Mr Justice Edis, a High Court Judge, has been asked to explore how trials might possibly resume.

As the country begins its journey to adjust to its ‘new normal’, the centuries-old idea of providing justice to all must endure.

Related topics: