Criminal Justice System. AIBU to feel most are unaware of this.

[Hearnoevilspeaknoevil]

Guardian piece here. www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/sep/06/england-criminal-justice-system-coronavirus-covid-19-cuts-2010

There's a massive backlog and sadly, this affects complainants, defendents and victims. I know of some cases locally - that although 'minor' have been quietly dropped.

There is also the possibility of vigilantism increasing. Worrying times.
This is the result of years of underfunding. Covid has dealt a great big kick on top.

Not sure about the implications for an open justice system with some of the (rushed) solutions being offered.

I am. But yes maybe others aren’t

@Thisisnotnormal69
There just seems to be little debate and yes, outcry. I guess all the education mess ups and the return to school have occupied many peoples thoughts

I think it's extremely concerning.

The Parole Board is suffering similarly with continuous deferrals and adjournments, meaning cases are actually heard years after they were due. It doesn't make the news because they are "only" criminals but people should have a fair crack of the whip and it affects the numbers of people in jails, unable to progress, clogging up the system as well as the families of offenders.

I’ve posted quite a bit about lack of sitting days etc under various usernames, unfortunately it doesn't seem to be an issue that cuts through. What they have announced today re Custody Time Limits is disgusting.

Absolutely, and it's not just new sentences, breaches are not being heard for most cases so if someone is out of contact with probation or refusing to engage with requirements etc, there is no consequence and their risk isn't being managed at all. The early release scheme was just a huge joke too. At least recalls are still being processed.

I’m aware because I work in it.

People don’t care. They think it’s got nothing to do with them when they decide who to vote for so it’s never a priority.

@SuperCaliFragalistic the Parole Board is managing quite well actually, very few cases are being delayed specifically due to COVID. The backlog that was there a few years ago is pretty much resolved after a big member drive.

@ItWasTheBestOfTimes

I’ve posted quite a bit about lack of sitting days etc under various usernames, unfortunately it doesn't seem to be an issue that cuts through. What they have announced today re Custody Time Limits is disgusting.

What have they announced and why is it disgusting?

Due to the huge delays in trials being listed, which has almost nothing to do with Covid as there was a massive backlog prior to the pandemic due to funding cuts, they have decided to increase the amount of time someone charged with a crime can be remanded in custody awaiting trial, from 182 days to 238 days. Covid means lots of prisoners are spending the vast majority of their time in cells to maintain social distancing. Faced with a choice between opening more courts and changing the law to keep people in custody for longer before their trial, the government chose the latter.

Now imagine you are innocent of a crime, but realistically you know that if convicted you would be sentenced to a year in prison. You’ve already been remanded for 6 months spending up to 20 hours a day in your cell due to Covid, which is the equivalent of a 12 month sentence. You know that if you change your plea to guilty you will be released almost immediately on a time served basis. Or you can remain in prison for up to another 2 months to try and clear your name. I think many would find it irresistible to change their plea and admit to doing something they haven’t done in these circumstances.

I was aware of it but only because I follow several barristers on Twitter. It's a right mess.

There were massive crack's showing even before covid19 came along though i myself was failed ( still am) by the CPS when the police handed over all their evidence that showed my ExH as a rapist and abuser they refused a trial and im still fighting it to this day to try get him off the street before he does it again but the court's don't listen and the police have no say or power in the matter. The whole justice system in this country is rapidly vanishing

I was aware. Just another awfulness on the giant pile that is the covid response strategy.

Anyone unaware of what is going on needs to read The Secret Barrister's books and follow her/him on Twitter. The situation is literally scandalous.

@popplebonk. Agree with the secret barrister. Eye opening.
I despair. There isn't really a justice system.