Beta

Trend

Courts

Crown Court Backlog

The number of cases waiting in the Crown Court in England and Wales, where the most serious offences are tried by jury. This is the outstanding caseload: cases unresolved, not new arrivals. When it rises, victims, witnesses and defendants wait longer, and more accused people are held on remand, in custody before trial; when it falls, waits ease.

LATEST · 2026 Q280,829
GROWTH · YOY+3.3%
HIGH · 2026 Q280,829
LOW · 2018 Q433,188
30k40k50k60k70k80k90k201620182020202220242026
LabourConservativeCoalition

Source: Ministry of Justice / HMCTS · Criminal Court Statistics

Coverage: England & Wales