header-logo header-logo

05 December 2025 / Michael Zander KC
Issue: 8142 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice , In Court , Criminal
printer mail-detail

The Crown Court Study (Pt 2)

237717
Three decades ago, Professor Michael Zander conducted a large-scale study on the way the criminal justice system works. In the concluding part of this series, he examines the findings on wasted time, weak cases & other matters
  • This is the concluding part of an NLJ series on the findings of a 1993 study on the views of those who work in and use the Crown Court.
  • The study has recently become accessible online: eprints.lse.ac.uk/129889/

The Crown Court Study (CCS) (HMSO, 1993) was a very large research project I conducted while a member of the Runciman Royal Commission on Criminal Justice. No such study has ever since been carried out in the courts of this country, or I imagine anywhere else. I believe that most of its findings are as relevant today as 30 years ago. In Part 1 of this series (‘The Crown Court Study (Pt 1)’, NLJ, 28 November 2025, pp15-17), I examined the views of those who work

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys—James Paterson

Charles Russell Speechlys further bolsters Private Equity expertise with the appointment of James Paterson

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons—Samuel Flower

Ellisons strengthens Rural Affairs team with senior appointment

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley—Carl Hotton

Sidley adds insurance mergers and acquisitions partner to London office

NEWS
Consultant-led law firms should prepare for closer regulatory attention as oversight evolves
Artificial intelligence may draft workplace grievances, but employers cannot treat them any differently from conventional complaints
From dishonest claimants to judicial promotions and procedural skirmishes, the latest legal developments offer plenty for litigators to digest
Fresh guidance is set to influence how courts decide whether hearings take place online or in person
County Court judges remain divided over whether landlords can lawfully force entry to carry out essential safety inspections after tenants ignore access injunctions
back-to-top-scroll