Lord Chief Justice’s Annual Report 2023
The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, The Rt Hon the Lord Burnett of Maldon, has laid his final annual report before Parliament and published it today (Tuesday 5 September 2023).
The report reflects the continuing impact of the courts and tribunals operating at full capacity, across all jurisdictions, with the Crown Court sitting at its highest rate since 2018.
In his foreword, Lord Burnett explains: “In all jurisdictions the judiciary is leading work to enable more cases to be dealt with using the available resources. The aim is to increase timeliness and reduce the number of hearings before their resolution.”
He also highlights the success of working with the Judicial Appointments Commission and the legal profession to increase the number of applications from groups underrepresented in the judiciary and to foster an environment where judges from all backgrounds are welcomed and thrive. These efforts to increase the diversity of the judiciary are supported by Diversity and Community Relations Judges and Magistrates who volunteer their time to engage with the public (including people still in education) about the justice system, thus promoting roles across the legal profession.
Lord Burnett concludes: “I finish by paying tribute to our judges and magistrates and all the staff who support them. I wish my successor well as she begins one of the most stimulating, if demanding, roles in public life.”