Research Briefing
Key measures of criminal court workload and performance have not recovered to their pre-pandemic levels. In December 2025 outstanding caseloads in the magistrates’ courts and Crown Courts reached record levels. At the same time HM Courts and Tribunals Service spending on all courts and tribunals has increased.
Research Briefing
The Lords amendments for the Victims and Courts Bill will be considered in the Commons on 26 March 2026.
Research Briefing
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 3:00pm on 26 March 2026 on the potential merits of mandatory body armour for prison officers. The debate will be opened by Sir Julian Lewis MP.
Research Briefing
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 23 March 2026 on an e-petition relating to relating to access to court and tribunal transcripts. The debate will be opened by Robbie Moore MP.
Research Briefing
The Courts and Tribunals Bill 2024-26 was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2026. Second reading is scheduled for 10 March 2026.
Research Briefing
In 2024, there were around 87,300 prisoners in England and Wales, which was the highest level recorded since 1900. This equates to 170 prisoners per 100,000 people aged 15 or older. The prison population is also expected to increase to around 100,000 by 2030.
Research Briefing
The Sentencing Bill has been through its House of Lords stages. Lords amendments will be considered in the Commons on 20 January 2026.
Debate Pack
A Westminster Hall debate has been scheduled for 4:30pm on 17 November 2025 on an e-petition relating to penalties for offences arising from social media posts. The debate will be opened by Jamie Stone MP.
Research Briefing
A briefing for the final parliamentary stage of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill 2024-26.
Research Briefing
The Sentencing Bill was introduced to the House of Commons on 2 September 2025 and is scheduled for report stage on 29 October 2025.
Research Briefing
The Victims and Courts Bill is scheduled to have its report stage and third reading in the House of Commons on 27 October 2025.
Research Briefing
The "Hillsborough Law" would create a duty of candour for public officials and introduce parity of representation for bereaved families at inquests.
Debate Pack
There will be a Westminster Hall debate on the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts: Part 1 at 2:30pm on 14 October 2025. The debate will be opened by Sir Jeremy Wright MP.
Research Briefing
This Commons Library briefing paper provides information about where to seek legal help and advice.
Research Briefing
A briefing paper on the royal prerogative and ministerial advice to the Crown on both the prerogative and statutory public appointments
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