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
LabourConservativeCoalition
Source: Ministry of Justice / HMCTS · Criminal Court Statistics
Coverage: England & Wales