Beyond the procedural "Reading Better" pilot, physical redevelopments are underway to ensure the facility remains fit for purpose:
: The program focuses on "short bail cases"—offenses where the evidence indicates a high likelihood of resolution without a full trial.
For those attending the court as a juror, witness, or legal professional, modernizing the experience is a core part of the "Reading Better" philosophy. reading crown court reading better
: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closes at 4:30 pm on Fridays).
: Defendants on bail often face months or years of uncertainty before their cases are heard. : Defendants on bail often face months or
The launch of the "Reading Better" strategy comes at a critical time for the UK legal system. By late 2025, the national Crown Court backlog reached a staggering . Reading Crown Court specifically faced an all-time high in pending trials, leading to the following challenges:
To counter these pressures, Reading Crown Court has implemented a . Reading Crown Court specifically faced an all-time high
Reading Crown Court's "Reading Better" initiative is a designed to tackle a record-breaking case backlog by expediting hearings for specific low-complexity offenses. By dedicating one of its eight courtrooms to this initiative, the facility aims to resolve cases where evidence suggests a trial might be avoided, ensuring more efficient delivery of justice for the Berkshire community. The Crisis: Addressing the Judicial Backlog