James Rossiter
@jamesrossiter.bsky.social
Criminal justice, environment and circular economy expert. Sunrise chaser and storm swimmer. Personal comments
Reposted by James Rossiter
Justice in Numbers
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
August 4, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Justice in Numbers
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
In 2024 the Criminal Bar, working with the Judiciary, Court Staff, Solicitors, the CPS and all agencies disposed of 113,885 cases in the Crown Court.
A high level of cases (18,790) were committed for sentence to the Crown Court.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message
Reposted by James Rossiter
The Criminal Bar Association’s survey of Criminal Barristers’ views of the Leveson Review of the Criminal Courts, a Government commissioned review.
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
July 30, 2025 at 8:52 AM
The Criminal Bar Association’s survey of Criminal Barristers’ views of the Leveson Review of the Criminal Courts, a Government commissioned review.
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
2029 criminal barristers responded in
7 days
The survey was open from
16 to 23 July 2025
The Leveson Review published 9 July 2025
Reposted by James Rossiter
More than 90 per cent of barristers oppose controversial plan to axe jury trials
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
More than 90 per cent of barristers oppose axing jury trials
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk
July 30, 2025 at 8:54 AM
More than 90 per cent of barristers oppose controversial plan to axe jury trials
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
Barristers were polled on Sir Brian Leveson’s proposals to scrap jury trials
www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/b...
Reposted by James Rossiter
We cannot applaud the removal of what the public sees as a basic human right. The public takes part in the criminal justice system, deciding the guilt or otherwise of its fellow citizens. This is a significant protection, ensuring that laws remain fair and justice remains open to all.
Mary Prior KC
Mary Prior KC
July 17, 2025 at 6:41 AM
We cannot applaud the removal of what the public sees as a basic human right. The public takes part in the criminal justice system, deciding the guilt or otherwise of its fellow citizens. This is a significant protection, ensuring that laws remain fair and justice remains open to all.
Mary Prior KC
Mary Prior KC
Reposted by James Rossiter
The Leveson Review
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
July 17, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The Leveson Review
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
Have you completed the survey?
Calling all Criminal Barristers.
We need your say so we can have a greater collective voice.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
We are grateful for your time.
Looks like an even bigger shovel is to hand to get back into a gaping hole already dug.
Diane Abbott says she stands by racism comments that led to suspension from Labour
Diane Abbott says she stands by racism comments that led to suspension from Labour
MP says it is ‘silly’ to claim racism over skin colour is the same as other types of racism – but she has spent her life fighting antisemitism
Diane Abbott has said she has no regrets about comments on racism that led to her year-long suspension from the Labour party.
The veteran Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington was disciplined for writing a letter to the Observer in April 2023 arguing that people of colour experienced racism “all their lives” and in a different way to Jewish people, Irish people and Travellers. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
July 17, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Looks like an even bigger shovel is to hand to get back into a gaping hole already dug.
Reposted by James Rossiter
Legal aid gong for Kneecap’s firm @wearelapg.bsky.social awards; Ex Stobart Barristers legal chief barred from running practices; 1st woman solicitor deserves @englishheritage.bsky.social blue plaque, says @melindagileslaw.bsky.social - in @TimesLaw today. www.thetimes.com/uk/law/artic...
Legal aid gong for Kneecap’s Belfast firm
The cases, the chatter, the chaos: what’s really going on in the law
www.thetimes.com
July 17, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Legal aid gong for Kneecap’s firm @wearelapg.bsky.social awards; Ex Stobart Barristers legal chief barred from running practices; 1st woman solicitor deserves @englishheritage.bsky.social blue plaque, says @melindagileslaw.bsky.social - in @TimesLaw today. www.thetimes.com/uk/law/artic...
Reposted by James Rossiter
Independent Sentencing Review.
“Plainly, significant investment will be necessary to implement change and that investment must include ensuring that the criminal barristers who prosecute and defend the trials and sentence hearings remain.”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association.
“Plainly, significant investment will be necessary to implement change and that investment must include ensuring that the criminal barristers who prosecute and defend the trials and sentence hearings remain.”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association.
May 22, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Independent Sentencing Review.
“Plainly, significant investment will be necessary to implement change and that investment must include ensuring that the criminal barristers who prosecute and defend the trials and sentence hearings remain.”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association.
“Plainly, significant investment will be necessary to implement change and that investment must include ensuring that the criminal barristers who prosecute and defend the trials and sentence hearings remain.”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the Criminal Bar Association.
Reposted by James Rossiter
“There is no alternative but to make change”
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Chemical castration of sex offenders ‘worthwhile’ exploring – review chairman
The review led by former justice secretary David Gauke recommended reforms to overhaul the prisons system.
www.independent.co.uk
May 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“There is no alternative but to make change”
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Mary Prior KC, CBA Chair, reviews the Independent Sentencing Review, as reported in today’s @Independent.
“Ending short sentences was welcomed by the Criminal Bar Association “because they don’t work”.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Reposted by James Rossiter
Court system in crisis as ‘jaw-dropping’ delays see first trials listed for 2029
“It cannot be right for victims of crime, eyewitnesses and those accused of crimes to have to wait until 2029 for their trial to take place”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the CBA.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
“It cannot be right for victims of crime, eyewitnesses and those accused of crimes to have to wait until 2029 for their trial to take place”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the CBA.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Court system in crisis as ‘jaw-dropping’ delays see first trials listed for 2029
Exclusive: One barrister said his client might not live to see his case come to trial in four years
www.independent.co.uk
May 21, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Court system in crisis as ‘jaw-dropping’ delays see first trials listed for 2029
“It cannot be right for victims of crime, eyewitnesses and those accused of crimes to have to wait until 2029 for their trial to take place”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the CBA.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
“It cannot be right for victims of crime, eyewitnesses and those accused of crimes to have to wait until 2029 for their trial to take place”
Mary Prior KC, Chair of the CBA.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
Reposted by James Rossiter
In 2022c Cookie Monster won April Fools day.
April 1, 2025 at 7:58 PM
In 2022c Cookie Monster won April Fools day.
Reposted by James Rossiter
Earlier this week I joined @simonkc.bsky.social and @k80bex.bsky.social for the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Criminal Justice Matters podcast. We discuss if offenders should be compelled to attend sentencing hearings and face the families, or face consequences open.spotify.com/episode/10Ey...
Should Offenders Be Compelled to Attend Sentencing?
Criminal Justice Matters · Episode
open.spotify.com
March 21, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Earlier this week I joined @simonkc.bsky.social and @k80bex.bsky.social for the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Criminal Justice Matters podcast. We discuss if offenders should be compelled to attend sentencing hearings and face the families, or face consequences open.spotify.com/episode/10Ey...
Reposted by James Rossiter
It was a real privilege to record this podcast with Claire! Do listen and share!
Earlier this week I joined @simonkc.bsky.social and @k80bex.bsky.social for the @thecriminalbar.bsky.social Criminal Justice Matters podcast. We discuss if offenders should be compelled to attend sentencing hearings and face the families, or face consequences open.spotify.com/episode/10Ey...
Should Offenders Be Compelled to Attend Sentencing?
Criminal Justice Matters · Episode
open.spotify.com
March 21, 2025 at 7:57 AM
It was a real privilege to record this podcast with Claire! Do listen and share!
Reposted by James Rossiter
Our chair Mary Prior KC writes that @CommonsPAC “holds government officials to account for the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of public spending. On the 13th February 2025 the PAC was Ordered by the House of Commons to print their report entitled “Crown Court backlogs.”
March 11, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Our chair Mary Prior KC writes that @CommonsPAC “holds government officials to account for the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of public spending. On the 13th February 2025 the PAC was Ordered by the House of Commons to print their report entitled “Crown Court backlogs.”
Reposted by James Rossiter
Letter from the DPP, Stephen Parkinson, to the Criminal Bar
“We rely heavily on you, and we always will” Message of Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the @CPSUK to criminal barristers in today’s Monday Message.
DPP's full letter is here
www.criminalbar.com/resources/ne...
“We rely heavily on you, and we always will” Message of Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the @CPSUK to criminal barristers in today’s Monday Message.
DPP's full letter is here
www.criminalbar.com/resources/ne...
March 11, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Letter from the DPP, Stephen Parkinson, to the Criminal Bar
“We rely heavily on you, and we always will” Message of Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the @CPSUK to criminal barristers in today’s Monday Message.
DPP's full letter is here
www.criminalbar.com/resources/ne...
“We rely heavily on you, and we always will” Message of Stephen Parkinson, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the @CPSUK to criminal barristers in today’s Monday Message.
DPP's full letter is here
www.criminalbar.com/resources/ne...
Reposted by James Rossiter
Rape trial delays worsen as barristers’ pay gap widens
As more sexual offence trials are postponed because no prosecution barrister is available, experts blame a pay disparity between prosecution and defence lawyers
@thetimes.com Times Law
www.thetimes.com/article/aa05...
As more sexual offence trials are postponed because no prosecution barrister is available, experts blame a pay disparity between prosecution and defence lawyers
@thetimes.com Times Law
www.thetimes.com/article/aa05...
Rape trial delays worsen as barristers’ pay gap widens
As more sexual offence trials are postponed because no prosecution barrister is available, experts blame a pay disparity between prosecution and defence lawyers
www.thetimes.com
February 13, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Rape trial delays worsen as barristers’ pay gap widens
As more sexual offence trials are postponed because no prosecution barrister is available, experts blame a pay disparity between prosecution and defence lawyers
@thetimes.com Times Law
www.thetimes.com/article/aa05...
As more sexual offence trials are postponed because no prosecution barrister is available, experts blame a pay disparity between prosecution and defence lawyers
@thetimes.com Times Law
www.thetimes.com/article/aa05...
Reposted by James Rossiter
Decision Time
Many of those who remain at the Criminal Bar are waiting until April to see what the joined-up consequences of the Leveson and Gauke Reviews cause the Treasury to provide to keep the Criminal Justice System alive and functioning. We are a cost-effective and vital part of that.
Chair MM
Many of those who remain at the Criminal Bar are waiting until April to see what the joined-up consequences of the Leveson and Gauke Reviews cause the Treasury to provide to keep the Criminal Justice System alive and functioning. We are a cost-effective and vital part of that.
Chair MM
February 13, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Decision Time
Many of those who remain at the Criminal Bar are waiting until April to see what the joined-up consequences of the Leveson and Gauke Reviews cause the Treasury to provide to keep the Criminal Justice System alive and functioning. We are a cost-effective and vital part of that.
Chair MM
Many of those who remain at the Criminal Bar are waiting until April to see what the joined-up consequences of the Leveson and Gauke Reviews cause the Treasury to provide to keep the Criminal Justice System alive and functioning. We are a cost-effective and vital part of that.
Chair MM
Reposted by James Rossiter
We make it plain that further delay and prevarication will lead to a mass exodus of Counsel who will simply turn to more lucrative work. Our patience should not be viewed as anything other than short-term and it masks frustration and anger and successive Governmental failures to listen and to act
MM
MM
February 13, 2025 at 7:11 AM
We make it plain that further delay and prevarication will lead to a mass exodus of Counsel who will simply turn to more lucrative work. Our patience should not be viewed as anything other than short-term and it masks frustration and anger and successive Governmental failures to listen and to act
MM
MM
Reposted by James Rossiter
Defence and CPS Fees
Chair’s message
That work is ongoing but work that remains and continues to be a constant plea from the CBA to the CPS is that of parity of fees. Prosecutors must be paid the same for conducting a criminal trial as the defence.
Chair’s message
That work is ongoing but work that remains and continues to be a constant plea from the CBA to the CPS is that of parity of fees. Prosecutors must be paid the same for conducting a criminal trial as the defence.
February 13, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Defence and CPS Fees
Chair’s message
That work is ongoing but work that remains and continues to be a constant plea from the CBA to the CPS is that of parity of fees. Prosecutors must be paid the same for conducting a criminal trial as the defence.
Chair’s message
That work is ongoing but work that remains and continues to be a constant plea from the CBA to the CPS is that of parity of fees. Prosecutors must be paid the same for conducting a criminal trial as the defence.
The long hand of the law
Or
With an outstretched hand
Or
With an outstretched hand
February 6, 2025 at 9:21 AM
The long hand of the law
Or
With an outstretched hand
Or
With an outstretched hand
Reposted by James Rossiter
The recommendation was not implemented. The backlog is now at over 74,000 cases. The remand population now consists of one in five prisoners.
….
Let’s start by using the resources we have.
….
Let’s start by using the resources we have.
January 20, 2025 at 1:18 PM
The recommendation was not implemented. The backlog is now at over 74,000 cases. The remand population now consists of one in five prisoners.
….
Let’s start by using the resources we have.
….
Let’s start by using the resources we have.
Reposted by James Rossiter
Listening
In April 2022 the Justice Select Committee recommended that the Crown Court should sit a minimum of 110,000 sitting days for a minimum of five years to reduce the backlog which had built up of 60,000 cases.
Chair’s message
Mary Prior KC
Chair’s message
Mary Prior KC
January 20, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Listening
In April 2022 the Justice Select Committee recommended that the Crown Court should sit a minimum of 110,000 sitting days for a minimum of five years to reduce the backlog which had built up of 60,000 cases.
Chair’s message
Mary Prior KC
Chair’s message
Mary Prior KC
Brexit Britain - a regional city near you
January 16, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Brexit Britain - a regional city near you
Well that was a cold start today - more of an economic and social indicator?
Forever in hope …
Forever in hope …
January 9, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Well that was a cold start today - more of an economic and social indicator?
Forever in hope …
Forever in hope …
Reposted by James Rossiter
🚨 My exclusive splash for @inews.co.uk:
⚖️ The temporary Nightingale courts that were opened in hotels and conference centres to hear delayed trials during the pandemic are set to be kept open for a sixth year, as the criminal justice backlog crisis continues to worsen
inews.co.uk/news/crime/c...
⚖️ The temporary Nightingale courts that were opened in hotels and conference centres to hear delayed trials during the pandemic are set to be kept open for a sixth year, as the criminal justice backlog crisis continues to worsen
inews.co.uk/news/crime/c...
January 2, 2025 at 7:54 AM
🚨 My exclusive splash for @inews.co.uk:
⚖️ The temporary Nightingale courts that were opened in hotels and conference centres to hear delayed trials during the pandemic are set to be kept open for a sixth year, as the criminal justice backlog crisis continues to worsen
inews.co.uk/news/crime/c...
⚖️ The temporary Nightingale courts that were opened in hotels and conference centres to hear delayed trials during the pandemic are set to be kept open for a sixth year, as the criminal justice backlog crisis continues to worsen
inews.co.uk/news/crime/c...