Express & Star comment: Court case backlog is a worry

In recent years there have been discussions about the length of time it takes for the wheels of justice to turn and, as in many instances, the pandemic has exacerbated the situation. It is important that steps are taken to tackle the backlog.

The impacts on our society are profound. Already, we are in a position where numerous courts in our region have been closed. This has diluted the ability of judges and magistrates to dispense justice, while also have a negative effect on all parties.

Those who have to give evidence have endured more challenging circumstances, those who are innocent and wish to contest cases against them have been under additional strain, those who are guilty have been unable to start their sentences.

There are many, many individual stories that are harrowing. Lives are undone and victims of crime suffer greatly as they are unable to get closure and move on. The backlogs locally are genuinely frightening and it is no surprise that leading lawyers are warning about the impacts on defendants, witnesses and victims. There is also a real fear that the delays could have an outcome on some cases, as people simply give up on getting justice through the courts.

Public confidence is already low when it comes to our court system. The conviction rates for serious offences like rape are disturbingly low, the prospects of apprehending offenders who commit such lesser crimes as burglaries and breaking into vehicles is also virtually non-existent. Away from the criminal courts, civil courts do not fare much better. Fathers believe they have little prospect of a fair outcome, for instance, in family courts.

There is considerable intelligence, willingness and the ability to expedite cases. Courts must be empowered to get on with the job and clear the backlog without cutting corners.