In the last few years, there have been significant reforms to the law courts in the United Kingdom.

Cases range from theft and assault to murder and high-level fraud. While court fees are necessary to support the financial viability of the system, they have been criticised for limiting access to justice, particularly for individuals on low incomes.

However, legal aid has faced significant cuts in recent years, leading to criticism that it is no longer available to as many people as it once was.

These courts are presided over by circuit judges and, in some cases, High Court judges. Despite these challenges, there are still provisions in place to help those who need it most.

Whether hearing criminal cases in the Crown Court, resolving family disputes in the Family Court, or interpreting devolved legislation in tribunals, the law courts in Wales are essential to delivering justice—and shaping the future of Welsh law.

These groups support the idea of legal plurality and better recognition of the unique legal culture developing in Wales.

From the introduction of digital technology to restructuring court services, the UK’s legal landscape is evolving at a rapid pace.

While this has improved access for some, it has raised concerns about the potential for inequality, particularly for individuals who may not have the necessary technology or the ability to navigate online systems.

This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed courts to continue functioning despite lockdown restrictions. By focusing on out-of-court settlements, the hope is to reduce the backlog of cases waiting for a court hearing, saving time and resources for the court system while also offering parties a less formal and potentially quicker path to resolution. It ensures that individuals who are facing serious charges or difficult legal circumstances have access to professional help.

The aim is to ensure that no one is disadvantaged when seeking legal redress. When it comes to ensuring equal access, the UK court system has made efforts to address the needs of diverse populations.

The UK government has encouraged the use of ADR as a way to reduce pressure on the courts and provide more accessible and cost-effective methods for resolving disputes.

Legal aid is available for a range of cases, including criminal defense, family law disputes, and housing issues. In addition to online filing, the UK courts have also introduced the possibility of virtual hearings for certain types of cases.

There have been changes aimed at improving access for individuals with disabilities, for example, by introducing more accessible courtrooms and providing special support for those who require it.

Remote hearings are now being used for civil cases, allowing individuals to participate in legal proceedings from the comfort of their homes. Professional organisations like the Law Society Wales and the Bar Council’s Wales and Chester Circuit promote Welsh legal interests and advocate for greater representation of Wales in the wider UK legal dialogue. A rising variety of ethnic minority solicitors are bringing race discrimination claims towards the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the body created by the Legislation Society to regulate solicitors and legislation companies.

The UK government has been forced to make difficult decisions regarding the allocation of resources to the court system.

Court funding has also seen significant changes, particularly in light of austerity measures and the ongoing pressure on public finances. Court closures in recent years have raised concerns about people having to travel long distances for legal proceedings. Wales has several Crown Court centres, including those in Cardiff, Swansea, and Mold.

Access to justice is a key issue in Wales, particularly in rural and post-industrial areas.

This has led to fewer court personnel in some areas, as well as increased reliance on costs for legal services to help fund operations. The legal aid system in the UK has been crucial in ensuring that the justice system is fair and accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation. While appeals from Welsh courts still go to the UK Supreme Court, that court has increasingly had to consider Welsh legislation in its rulings.

These changes reflect broader shifts in society, technology, and government policy, as well as efforts to make the justice system more efficient, accessible, and modern.

The digitalisation of court processes—accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic—has improved accessibility in some respects, but digital poverty and infrastructure limitations remain challenges.

This trend reflects the growing complexity of a shared legal system that is simultaneously diverging in practice.

Another change in the UK court system is the growing reliance on alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration.

Many point to the inconsistencies within the resolution-making process within the SRA in relation to ethnic minority solicitors, in comparison with selections made in opposition to white solicitors.

The Crown Court handles more serious criminal cases, including those that require a jury trial.