The Courts Service Annual Report 2024 highlights a transformative year marked by continued modernisation, increased judicial capacity, and improved operational efficiency. With 20 new judges appointed, the judiciary saw a 25% increase in capacity. Technology upgrades enabled 165 courtrooms for video hearings, and 95% of charge sheets were processed electronically.

Key Highlights

• 20 new judges were appointed, representing a 25% increase in judicial capacity.

Criminal Cases:

• 390,158 new criminal matters presented; 356,045 finalised.
• Central Criminal Court: 24% increase in disposals, 16% reduction in cases-on-hand.
• 27,821 serious offences finalised (up from 26,486 in 2023).
• 434 rape sentences were handed down; 62% ranged from 10 years to life imprisonment.

District Court:

• 350,852 less serious cases received; 309,787 disposed.
• Drug offences: 27,783 new cases (down 16.5% over six years).
• Public order & assault: 47,956 cases (up 9.6%).
• Road traffic: 185,578 new cases (up 8.6%).

Civil Cases

• Nearly 184,000 new cases (up from 180,000 in 2023).
• High Court: 21,371 new cases (33% increase over two years).
• Personal injury: 12,989 new cases (down 41% from 2019); awards reduced by over 45%.

Family Law

• Domestic violence: 25,270 applications (steady with 2023).
• Supervision & Care Orders: 21,684 applications (up 45% over two years).
• Divorce: 5,004 applications (down 10% over two years).

Appellate Courts

• Court of Appeal: 341 new criminal appeals; 269 disposed of involving 2,014 offences.

Other Civil Areas

• Possession cases: 1,135 new; 141 orders granted.
• Debt recovery: 22,584 new cases (up 31% over two years).
• Planning & Environment: 241 new cases; 253 resolved (up 96%).