The government is planning to allow magistrates in England and Wales to jail criminals for up to a year, rather than the current six-month limit, under plans to clear court backlogs built up during the COVID pandemic.
The Ministry of Justice said that this will prevent cases being passed up to Crown Courts to allow them to deal with more serious cases
Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab said:
This important measure will provide vital additional capacity to drive down the backlog of cases in the Crown Courts over the coming years.
Together with the Nightingale Courts, digital hearings and unlimited sitting days, we will deliver swifter and more effective justice as we build back a stronger, safer and fairer society after the pandemic.
Bev Higgs, National Chair of the Magistrates’ Association said:
We have been campaigning for years for magistrates’ sentencing powers to be extended to 12 months for single offences, so we are delighted with the Lord Chancellor’s announcement today. It is absolutely the right time to re-align where cases are heard to ensure a safe, effective, and efficient justice system and this demonstrates great confidence in the magistracy.
Magistrates have been integral in keeping the justice system functioning during the Covid-19 pandemic and, by enabling them to hear more serious offences, this new provision will mean they can contribute to easing the pressure on the Crown Courts.
