The Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice published a joint statement setting out a six year programme for reform of the courts. The programme envisages transforming criminal, civil and family courts and tribunals. It has three fundamental concepts:

• removing matters from court that do not need to be there;
• reserving physical hearings for difficult issues; and
• removing as much paper as possible from the system.

Among the suggestions is a new online process for resolving many civil cases and the idea more case management should be handled automatically or by telephone or digitally. Proposals are to be developed and consulted on for an extension of fixed recoverable costs. The processes for probate applications and undefended divorces are to be put online. In the criminal courts, pre-trial cross-examination is to be extended. Virtual courts are to become more common. Some minor non-imprisonable offences will be dealt with online if the defendant pleads guilty.

The Law Society has been invited to be part of a Professional Engagement Group to provide views on all aspects of the reform programme as it develops.