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England and Wales Crown court open caseload hits record 80,829 as MoJ omits jury-trial reform
Ministry of Justice figures for April to June 2026 show the Crown court open caseload reached a series peak of 80,829 by end-June, up 392 on the prior quarter. Courts minister Sarah Sackman pledged further action on sitting days, specialist rape courts and legal aid, but MoJ guidance did not mention proposed jury-trial curbs. The Criminal Bar Association said nearly all of the increase was concentrated in London.
Key points
- Crown court open caseload hit 80,829 at end-June 2026, up 392 on the previous quarter.Law Gazette
- Courts minister Sarah Sackman cited record court investment, technology, specialist rape courts, uncapped sitting days and criminal legal aid funding.Law Gazette
- MoJ guidance did not mention jury-trial reforms, while noting magistrates dispose of either-way offences more than four times faster than the Crown court.Law Gazette
- CBA chair Andrew Thomas said nearly all of the rise was concentrated in London.Law Gazette