UK Court Backlogs Lead to Rising Rape Case Withdrawals

Victims and defendants face years-long delays as systemic issues strain the justice system in England and Wales.

The backlog in crown courts has reached a record high, with over 81,000 cases waiting to be heard as of June 2024, up sharply since the pandemic.
Rape case withdrawals have more than doubled in five years, with 7.3% of prosecutions dropped after victims withdrew in the past year due to lengthy delays.
Research shows that pre-recorded evidence, intended to support victims, is linked to lower conviction rates and longer trial delays in rape cases.
A shortage of barristers and judges, compounded by low pay and high caseloads, has led to thousands of trials being postponed or canceled in recent years.
Cuts to legal aid and deteriorating court infrastructure have further exacerbated delays, with some trial dates now scheduled as far out as 2027.