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1 Law court accidents in the UK are a rarely discussed aspect of the justice system, yet they raise important questions about liability and prevention within legal institutions.

straitstimes.comThe case highlighted that even government premises are subject to the same health and safety laws as private businesses. 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.
In some newer courts, modern design has helped reduce risks.

This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed courts to continue functioning despite lockdown restrictions. In some areas, court buildings are old and not well-equipped to handle modern technological needs, leading to delays in proceedings and difficulties in managing caseloads.

Improved lighting, anti-slip flooring, CCTV monitoring, and barrier-free layouts contribute to safer environments. Nevertheless, UK law courts face ongoing challenges related to court facilities. The Ministry of Justice, as the employer, is legally required to provide a safe working environment, and failure to do so can result in compensation claims and public accountability. As a result, some court facilities may be outdated or in need of repair, impacting the efficiency of legal proceedings.

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

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. Court funding has also seen significant changes, particularly in light of austerity measures and the ongoing pressure on public finances.

However, the majority of the UK’s court buildings remain older, and many are in need of refurbishment or full redevelopment.

Lifting heavy files, repetitive strain from computer work, and stress-related illnesses are among the common occupational hazards reported.

No signage had been posted, and CCTV footage confirmed the lack of warning.

Appeals may go to the Court of Appeal and, in certain circumstances, to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. One notable case occurred in London, where a solicitor slipped on a wet floor in a courthouse lobby.
There have been calls for increased investment in modernising court buildings, hiring more safety inspectors, and implementing more stringent protocols. The UK government has been forced to make difficult decisions regarding the allocation of resources to the court system.

It’s not only visitors or legal professionals who are at risk—court staff, including clerks, ushers, and administrative workers, can also suffer workplace injuries.

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

How the court system operates in Wales mirrors that of England. Reports from court unions and professional associations suggest that reductions in maintenance budgets have increased the risk of safety hazards.

In addition to online filing, the UK courts have also introduced the possibility of video conferences for certain types of cases.
Remote hearings are now being used for minor criminal cases, allowing individuals to participate in legal proceedings from the comfort of their homes.

Some reforms have been proposed to address these concerns. The Ministry of Justice has pledged to review maintenance standards across its estate, although critics argue that more urgent action is required to prevent avoidable injuries.

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.

It includes the Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, County Courts, and the High Court of Justice.

One significant issue is the ongoing pressure on resources, with many courts experiencing overcrowding and budget cuts. 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.
Ireland also maintains a specialised system of tribunals and specialised courts to deal with specific issues.

This has led to staff reductions in some areas, as well as increased reliance on costs for legal services to help fund operations. The incident resulted in a serious back injury, and the injured party later pursued a personal injury claim against the Ministry of Justice. These include the Workplace Relations Commission (for employment law), the Residential Tenancies Board (for landlord-tenant disputes), and the Special Criminal Court, which handles cases involving terrorism and organised crime.

Outdated heating systems, broken lifts, inaccessible facilities for disabled individuals, and insufficient security staff have all been cited as contributing factors to declining safety standards.

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. The issue of court accidents has gained further attention due to recent public sector spending cuts.