Review calls for more remote hearings to save courts system from ‘collapse’

A government-commissioned review by Sir Brian Leveson recommends increased use of remote hearings and the creation of a prime minister's criminal justice advisor to address critical backlogs in England and Wales courts. Published on Wednesday, the report contains over 130 recommendations aimed at expediting justice for victims, citing a system on the "brink of collapse." Leveson suggests remote hearings for first appearances and preliminary hearings, as well as remote attendance for professional witnesses and incarcerated defendants at sentencing, except when victim impact statements are delivered. The proposed advisor would oversee coordination between courts, prisons, prosecutors, and police. The review emphasizes the urgent need for systemic improvements to alleviate pressure and ensure timely justice.

Explore how the topics in this article connect to other news stories

Discover articles with similar content using semantic similarity analysis.