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 Q180,061
GROWTH · YOY+4.9%
HIGH · 2025 Q480,098
LOW · 2018 Q433,049
30k40k50k60k70k80k201620182020202220242026
LabourConservativeCoalition

Source: Ministry of Justice / HMCTS · Criminal Court Statistics

Coverage: England & Wales