Last week in Canada, I witnessed an efficient and prompt justice system that upheld fairness and professionalism. This experience instilled hope for crime victims in our own country. At the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto, I observed trials conducted by expert judges without juries.

These judges presided over cases and issued sentences of up to two years for minor offenses and longer for more severe crimes. The absence of jury selection streamlined the process, with trial durations sometimes halved compared to jury trials.

The expedited justice delivery in Canada highlighted the contrast with the situation in our legal system. While Canada has modernized its courts, our justice system has faced stagnation. The backlog of cases in England and Wales’ Crown Courts has surged from around 38,000 in 2019 to nearly 80,000 today, with projections indicating a potential rise to 116,000 by 2029.

This backlog not only strains the system but also impacts ordinary citizens, particularly survivors of crimes like rape, violence, and burglary who are left in limbo as they await justice. The delays also allow offenders to remain at large, further jeopardizing public safety.

While jury trials will continue to be essential for serious crimes like rape, murder, and grievous bodily harm, there is a need for evolution. The introduction of a new ‘Swift Court’ within the Crown Court aims to expedite cases with expected sentences of three years or less, as part of broader reforms to reduce delays and restore efficiency to the justice system.

Efforts to address the backlog include increased funding of £150 million annually to modernize courts and enhance operational capacity. However, the challenge lies not in infrastructure but in the availability of trained personnel such as judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and court staff needed to facilitate the judicial process efficiently.

The evolution of technology and the complexity of evidence in modern cases have contributed to longer trial durations. While investments are being made to improve efficiency, comprehensive reforms are essential to rejuvenate a justice system that has been neglected for too long.

The current situation presents a clear choice: either maintain the status quo and witness continued suffering of victims as the system falters, or embrace reform, modernization, and the restoration of justice. Canada’s example demonstrates a more effective approach, and it is incumbent upon the government to show the courage to implement necessary changes.