The Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales
@thecriminalbar.bsky.social
The Criminal Bar Association exists to represent the views and interests of the practising members of the Criminal Bar in England and Wales. https://www.criminalbar.com/resources/news/
Our aim is a system that works fairly not only for victims of crime, and the rights of the accused, but also for the criminal barristers relied upon to prosecute and defend cases of all levels of seriousness and complexity.
Chair and Vice Chair, Message.
Chair and Vice Chair, Message.
September 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Our aim is a system that works fairly not only for victims of crime, and the rights of the accused, but also for the criminal barristers relied upon to prosecute and defend cases of all levels of seriousness and complexity.
Chair and Vice Chair, Message.
Chair and Vice Chair, Message.
Respect
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
September 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Respect
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
Respect is an essential value. In an adversarial system that is under considerable pressure, it will be respect and courtesy that bind us together, particularly in this critical time.
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
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
Snap!
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
July 23, 2025 at 7:21 AM
Snap!
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
Criminal Barristers please take 10 minutes out of the next 90 minutes to complete the CBA survey on the Leveson Review.
At 10am today the survey closes.
Every voice counts.
Thank you for the time and insights you give as you prepare cases for court.
24 hours to go
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
July 22, 2025 at 7:11 AM
24 hours to go
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
Your Criminal Bar Needs You!
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is tomorrow morning 10am Wednesday 23 July.
Please encourage colleagues across Circuits - every voice counts.
Thank you.
Chair
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
July 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Chair
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
We urge the Government to work with us, using the efficiency recommendations that we have provided to fix the broken system rather than focussing on reinventing it. That way we can reduce the trauma for at least some of those whose lives are on hold whilst they wait for years for their trial.
Sunday is survey day
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
July 20, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Sunday is survey day
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
3 days to go
Criminal barristers please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
OneBarNone.
Stronger together.
Your voice, our criminal bar.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
Calling Criminal Barristers.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
July 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Calling Criminal Barristers.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
The Leveson Review.
5 days to go to complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Your voice matters for our collective say.
Thank you. We are grateful for your time.
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.
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
The Leveson Review
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
July 16, 2025 at 11:33 AM
The Leveson Review
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
Criminal barristers
Please complete the CBA snap survey on the Leveson Review.
The deadline for responses is
10am Wednesday 23 July.
Thank you.
We are grateful for your time.
“We should think very carefully before removing the right to trial by jury.
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
July 14, 2025 at 9:54 AM
“We should think very carefully before removing the right to trial by jury.
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Once it is removed, it will not return. Pragmatism is essential, but fundamental principles must not yield to expediency. We must eliminate the delay but not at the expensive of fairness”
CBA treasurer James Gray
Independent Sentencing Review
We support the general removal of short prison sentences because they don’t work. We need extra space to protect the public from dangerous violent and sex offenders until they are able to be safely released into the community.
Chair Mary Prior KC
We support the general removal of short prison sentences because they don’t work. We need extra space to protect the public from dangerous violent and sex offenders until they are able to be safely released into the community.
Chair Mary Prior KC
May 22, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Independent Sentencing Review
We support the general removal of short prison sentences because they don’t work. We need extra space to protect the public from dangerous violent and sex offenders until they are able to be safely released into the community.
Chair Mary Prior KC
We support the general removal of short prison sentences because they don’t work. We need extra space to protect the public from dangerous violent and sex offenders until they are able to be safely released into the community.
Chair Mary Prior KC
Independent Sentencing Review
There is no alternative but to make change. More than half reoffend compared to only a quarter who receive help from probation.
Some of the more radical suggestions will require careful thought and may not be implemented by the government.
Chair Mary Prior KC.
There is no alternative but to make change. More than half reoffend compared to only a quarter who receive help from probation.
Some of the more radical suggestions will require careful thought and may not be implemented by the government.
Chair Mary Prior KC.
May 22, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Independent Sentencing Review
There is no alternative but to make change. More than half reoffend compared to only a quarter who receive help from probation.
Some of the more radical suggestions will require careful thought and may not be implemented by the government.
Chair Mary Prior KC.
There is no alternative but to make change. More than half reoffend compared to only a quarter who receive help from probation.
Some of the more radical suggestions will require careful thought and may not be implemented by the government.
Chair Mary Prior KC.
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.
The Government talk of radical reform of a broken system but turn their backs on us when we ask to be treated the same as the other agencies within the Criminal Justice System.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
May 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
The Government talk of radical reform of a broken system but turn their backs on us when we ask to be treated the same as the other agencies within the Criminal Justice System.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
Criminal Barristers are key workers. Without us, the Criminal Justice System would collapse. We are paid by the Government to undertake a public service.
May 3, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Criminal Barristers are key workers. Without us, the Criminal Justice System would collapse. We are paid by the Government to undertake a public service.
The 4 requests in our submission to @hmtreasury:
an independent review body or the ability of the CLAAB to make remuneration recommendations;
ring-fencing of the outstanding monies promised during the deal;
an increase of 15% in all fees;
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
an independent review body or the ability of the CLAAB to make remuneration recommendations;
ring-fencing of the outstanding monies promised during the deal;
an increase of 15% in all fees;
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
May 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The 4 requests in our submission to @hmtreasury:
an independent review body or the ability of the CLAAB to make remuneration recommendations;
ring-fencing of the outstanding monies promised during the deal;
an increase of 15% in all fees;
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
an independent review body or the ability of the CLAAB to make remuneration recommendations;
ring-fencing of the outstanding monies promised during the deal;
an increase of 15% in all fees;
Chair Mary Prior KC, Message.
Thank you to all who gave their time, preparing, setting-up, presenting, listening, learning and sharing.
#1BarNone
Another excellent Spring Conference
#1BarNone
Another excellent Spring Conference
May 3, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Thank you to all who gave their time, preparing, setting-up, presenting, listening, learning and sharing.
#1BarNone
Another excellent Spring Conference
#1BarNone
Another excellent Spring Conference
Should convicted offenders be forced to attend the sentencing hearing?
#CriminalJusticeMatters #podcast
Our thanks go to Claire Waxman OBE @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social who discusses the issues with the CBA’s Kate Bex KC @k80bex.bsky.social and Simon Spence KC.
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
#CriminalJusticeMatters #podcast
Our thanks go to Claire Waxman OBE @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social who discusses the issues with the CBA’s Kate Bex KC @k80bex.bsky.social and Simon Spence KC.
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
March 21, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Should convicted offenders be forced to attend the sentencing hearing?
#CriminalJusticeMatters #podcast
Our thanks go to Claire Waxman OBE @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social who discusses the issues with the CBA’s Kate Bex KC @k80bex.bsky.social and Simon Spence KC.
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
#CriminalJusticeMatters #podcast
Our thanks go to Claire Waxman OBE @ldnvictimscomm.bsky.social who discusses the issues with the CBA’s Kate Bex KC @k80bex.bsky.social and Simon Spence KC.
www.criminalbar.com/resources/po...
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.”
…”and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership.”
The DPP’s letter comes just days The Public Accounts Committee published on the 5th of March 2025 its report: “Crown Court backlogs”.
The full @houseofcommons.parliament.uk PAC report is here
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
The DPP’s letter comes just days The Public Accounts Committee published on the 5th of March 2025 its report: “Crown Court backlogs”.
The full @houseofcommons.parliament.uk PAC report is here
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
March 11, 2025 at 3:09 PM
…”and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership.”
The DPP’s letter comes just days The Public Accounts Committee published on the 5th of March 2025 its report: “Crown Court backlogs”.
The full @houseofcommons.parliament.uk PAC report is here
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
The DPP’s letter comes just days The Public Accounts Committee published on the 5th of March 2025 its report: “Crown Court backlogs”.
The full @houseofcommons.parliament.uk PAC report is here
committees.parliament.uk/publications...
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...
It is Monday and the survey closes tonight.
You may be tired from working on the weekend, preparing for today’s trial. But today if you can spend 10 minutes to complete the survey, we may have those extra pieces of evidence to make sure you are properly valued for all the work you do, every day.
You may be tired from working on the weekend, preparing for today’s trial. But today if you can spend 10 minutes to complete the survey, we may have those extra pieces of evidence to make sure you are properly valued for all the work you do, every day.
March 3, 2025 at 11:06 AM
It is Monday and the survey closes tonight.
You may be tired from working on the weekend, preparing for today’s trial. But today if you can spend 10 minutes to complete the survey, we may have those extra pieces of evidence to make sure you are properly valued for all the work you do, every day.
You may be tired from working on the weekend, preparing for today’s trial. But today if you can spend 10 minutes to complete the survey, we may have those extra pieces of evidence to make sure you are properly valued for all the work you do, every day.