The Judicial Office is introducing a national framework for listing cases, from 1 October, along with guidance for remote participation
It aims to provide consistency of approach across criminal courts, and gives direction to judges on prioritising cases based on the human impact of delay on participants and ensuring fairness in court proceedings.
Baroness Carr, the Lady Chief Justice, said: ‘Minimising the impact of delay on victims, defendants and witnesses is the guiding principle of this new national approach to listing.’
Courts minister Sarah Sackman KC said it would prioritise rape cases, reduce last-minute changes to trials and help bring down the backlog.
