In December 2022 the Law Society (TLS) put out a report on the backlogs being experienced in the courts and the overall state of the court system. This report, and the subsequent campaign to raise awareness, has been successful and has had national and trade journal coverage. Positive feedback has also been received from Parliamentarians.
TLS’s research drew on a survey conducted with over 500 solicitors. The survey showed that their members are wholly dissatisfied with the state of the courts (citing various examples, but primarily concerning unsafe conditions.) Among the worrying statistics cited were:
- Two-thirds (64%) of respondents experienced delays in cases being heard, due to the poor state of the court
- Over 30% of respondents did not feel safe in the court
- 28% said the courts were “not at all fit” for purpose
- There were 63,121 backlogged cases as of October 2022
- 49 weeks was the average time to deal with a care case in the family court
The Law Society’s recommendations to the government include:
- Investing in buildings, staff and judges
- Properly funding legal aid
- Keeping cases out of the courtroom where possible
- Having access to reliable technology
- Having better data collection
Call to action: Solicitors are encouraged to email campaigns@lawsociety.org.uk with relevant examples or comments on this topic, for Joe Ferreira’s attention. Please do keep beth.quinn@lawsociety.org.uk copied.