Justice at a crossroads

Justice systems worldwide are at a crossroads, where tradition meets the force for change. Calls for reform are growing louder, from civil society, legal professionals, and international bodies, driven by a shared recognition that justice must evolve to meet the demands of modern governance and public expectation.

The justice system in Ireland has long relied on established customs and procedures that have provided continuity and structure. However, these same traditions now risk becoming barriers to progress.

The nature of crime is evolving rapidly, challenging long-standing assumptions about how justice is delivered. Justice systems must now manage high volumes of traditional offences whilst responding to increasingly complex, digitally enabled threats.

Conventional crimes remain prevalent. In Ireland 76,142 thefts and 20,019 assaults were recorded in 2024, up 12 per cent and 6 per cent respectively since 2019 as reported by the Central Statistics Office. However, these are now compounded by crimes that exploit digital platforms and technologies. Ransomware attacks targeting public services, online child exploitation facilitated through encrypted messaging apps, and cryptocurrency-enabled fraud are just a few examples of how criminal behaviour has adapted to the digital age.

Even traditional offences are reshaped, with domestic abuse cases now often including digital stalking via devices, while harassment increasingly occurs through social media. More broadly, traditional crimes are becoming more complex to investigate and prosecute, as they involve digital evidence such as mobile data, surveillance footage, and online communications, which demands greater technical expertise, time, and inter-agency co-ordination.

Structural gaps

This convergence of volume and complexity is straining justice systems worldwide. Cases are taking longer to process on an end-to-end basis, undermining the timeliness of justice and eroding public confidence. Cross-agency processes, which are essential to uphold independence, governance, and accountability, can also introduce limitations on how to tackle the increasing volume and complexity, particularly when systems are not fully integrated or when coordination mechanisms are underdeveloped, as is the case in many jurisdictions.

Prison overcrowding remains another critical concern in justice systems across many jurisdictions. As of September 2025, 11 of the 14 Irish prisons were operating above 100 per cent capacity. Despite proposals to expand prison capacity, experts argue that such measures fail to address the root causes of offending. The Irish Penal Reform Trust advocates for alternatives to incarceration, especially for non-violent offences, highlighting the need for restorative justice, community-based sentencing, and investment in rehabilitation programmes.

Public expectations for transparency, fairness, and responsiveness are rising. To remain effective, Ireland’s justice system must evolve, building new capabilities, integrating processes, and committing to reform that goes beyond digital upgrades to address the structural foundations of justice delivery.

How can justice systems evolve?

Rising caseloads, increasingly complex digital crime, and growing public expectations have exposed the limitations of traditional legal frameworks. In response, several jurisdictions have introduced ambitious reforms, offering practical lessons for Ireland as it seeks to reform its justice system.

In England and Wales, the Leveson Review proposed structural changes to reduce delays, including reclassifying offences to avoid jury trials and creating new judicial divisions for mid-level cases, saving thousands of court sitting days.

Northern Ireland has similarly focused on delay reduction through its Speeding Up Justice programme. The expansion of out-of-court disposals allows lower-level offences to be resolved more proportionately. Crucially, the abolition of oral evidence at committal hearings has streamlined pre-trial processes, freeing up Magistrates’ Court capacity and reducing re-traumatisation for victims.

In Ireland, the Courts Service is working on its own Modernisation Programme, focused on improving access to justice, reducing delay and cost within the justice system and maximising the use of technology to improve services.

“With the right leadership, investment, and vision, Ireland can build a justice system that is not only fit for purpose but fit for the future.”

Beyond digital upgrades

To modernise infrastructure, the UK’s His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service Reform Programme introduced online courts, unified case management systems, and remote hearings, improving transparency and efficiency. Ireland’s Courts Service is rolling out similar reforms, including AI-assisted scheduling and digital jury systems. Full implementation, supported by training and accessibility, will be essential.

However, technology alone is insufficient. As crime becomes more digitally complex, justice personnel must be equipped with new skills and ways of working. Justice systems are investing further in capability building to ensure criminal justice organisations can manage encrypted communications, forensics, and cross-border cybercrime.

Integrated digital ecosystems

Many jurisdictions are working on how to improve collaboration across the multiple agencies responsible for delivering justice. For example, the Netherlands and Estonia have developed integrated digital platforms linking police, courts, and correctional services.

Sentencing and rehabilitation

Other jurisdictions have embraced community-based alternatives to certain offences that are classed as low-level:

• United States: Cities like New York have expanded restorative justice and re-entry programmes.
• Norway: A reintegration-focused prison model has achieved low recidivism through humane conditions and structured release planning.
• Brazil and Costa Rica: Legal reforms have reclassified offences to avoid custodial sentences, expanding probation and community service.

International bodies such as the UNODC advocate for sentencing policies that prioritise alternatives to custody, including electronic monitoring, fines, and restorative justice.

Shaping a future-ready justice system

EY is working with Justice systems around the world, and we understand that these systems are not static. The institutions must evolve with society. Ireland’s justice system is at a turning point. The pressures are real, but so is the opportunity. Policymakers are embracing evidence-based, cross-system solutions that reflect the realities of today’s justice landscape and have the opportunity to collaborate with other justice systems across the world.

With the right leadership, investment, and vision, Ireland can build a justice system that is not only fit for purpose but fit for the future.

Sean Breen is a director in EY’s Government and Infrastructure practice and provides support to a wide range of government and public sector clients. Breen has worked extensively across the justice sector and has assisted with a number of large-scale transformation projects.

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