“When justice takes time: why the legal system moves slowly (and why that’s not always bad)”

We’ve all heard the saying: “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
And yet, anyone who’s spent time studying or working in law knows how often justice feels delayed (sometimes for years).

Court backlogs, endless paperwork, procedural steps, and appeals can make the legal process feel painfully slow. But is slowness always a flaw in the system? Or could there be a reason the law takes its time?

The Problem Everyone Talks About

According to recent Ministry of Justice statistics, the backlog in Crown Courts remains at record highs, with some cases waiting over a year for trial.¹ Civil claims and family disputes face similar delays — something both lawyers and clients find frustrating.

Delays can cause stress, financial strain, and a loss of faith in the justice system. Victims wait for closure. Defendants wait for vindication. Families wait for resolution.

It’s easy to see why we talk about “denial” when justice drags its feet.

But Here’s the Thing About Speed

There’s another side to the story (one that doesn’t often make headlines).

The legal system is slow because it is careful. Every hearing, adjournment, and appeal is part of a process designed to protect fairness. Law isn’t supposed to be impulsive — it’s meant to be deliberate.

Quick decisions might feel satisfying, but they can lead to mistakes. A rushed trial, an overlooked piece of evidence, or an unrepresented defendant can all result in injustice.
Sometimes, the slower path is the safer one.

A Balancing Act Between Efficiency and Fairness

The challenge, of course, is finding balance. Modern courts are under pressure to be efficient without sacrificing quality. Initiatives like online hearings, digital filing systems, and case management reforms are helping speed things up — but they also raise new questions about access, transparency, and fairness.

Law, like life, rarely benefits from extremes. Too slow, and people lose faith. Too fast, and people lose justice.

What This Teaches Us as Future Lawyers

As law students or early-career professionals, it’s easy to become frustrated by how drawn-out things seem. Whether it’s case law, client work, or even academic deadlines! But maybe there’s something valuable in that slowness.

The law’s pace teaches patience, precision, and perspective — three things every good lawyer needs. It reminds us that behind every delay is a person, a story, and a principle worth getting right.

So yes, justice might take its time. But sometimes, that time is exactly what makes it just.