Inaccessible courts continue to create significant barriers for disabled jurors, lawyers and court users across the UK. Campaigners and legal professionals say accessibility problems affect participation, safety and equal access to justice. Despite legal requirements that require courts to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, many users still face obstacles when attending hearings, participating in jury service or carrying out professional duties.
Inaccessible Courts Affect Disabled Professionals and Court Users
Disabled social worker Vikki Walton-Cole says accessibility challenges within the court system affected both her career and her confidence in accessing justice. She recalled arriving at court already in pain after struggling to find suitable disabled parking near the building. When she discovered that the courtroom could only be reached by stairs, she became overwhelmed and upset.
Walton-Cole said experiences like these contributed to her decision to leave social work because the barriers within the court system became too difficult to manage. read more
How Inaccessible Courts Impact Jury Service
Her concerns continued when she was later called for jury service. As a full-time wheelchair user, she spent weeks trying to obtain basic information about accessibility arrangements. However, she found the process so stressful that she eventually decided not to take part.
Walton-Cole believes disabled people should be able to serve on juries because juries are meant to reflect society as a whole.
Inaccessible Courts Create Challenges for Disabled Jurors
Another wheelchair user, Victoria Gerrard, also experienced accessibility difficulties while serving as a juror in Scotland. She said the jury area lacked accessible facilities and staff provided limited guidance about how disabled jurors could navigate the building.
The challenges extended beyond physical access. Because Gerrard could not use the standard juror exit, staff escorted her through public areas where she regularly encountered defendants and their relatives. She said this left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.
Safety Concerns Linked to Inaccessible Courts
On the final day of the trial, Gerrard was left waiting outside the courthouse alone while other jurors travelled together. She said the situation increased her concerns about personal safety and highlighted the need for better accessibility planning. know more
Inaccessible Courts Affect Disabled Lawyers
Barrister Holly Girven, who also uses a wheelchair, praised court staff for their efforts but highlighted ongoing accessibility problems within court buildings.
She described difficulties accessing upper floors, navigating steep ramps and attending hearings when lifts were out of service. In one case, she had to participate remotely from a nearby room while the rest of the hearing took place in the courtroom only a short distance away.
Accessibility Barriers in Court Buildings
Girven believes courts should meet the same accessibility standards expected in other public buildings. She argues that disabled lawyers should not face additional barriers simply because court facilities fail to accommodate their needs.
Better Information Could Reduce Problems in Inaccessible Courts
Many disabled court users acknowledge that upgrading historic court buildings can be expensive and complex. However, they believe courts could make immediate improvements by providing clearer information about accessibility before people arrive.
Better information would allow visitors to prepare for potential challenges and request support where necessary.
Court Accessibility Requires More Than Physical Access
Disability rights barrister Gregory Burke argues that accessibility is about more than physical infrastructure. He believes information, attitudes and dignity play an equally important role in ensuring equal participation.
Burke says disabled people should not have to overcome unnecessary obstacles simply to access the justice system.
Inaccessible Courts Can Undermine Access to Justice
Concerns about inaccessible courts extend beyond individual experiences. A report by the Magistrates’ Association found that poor accessibility has affected morale and contributed to resignations among court staff and magistrates.
The report also identified safety concerns in some court facilities and warned that accessibility failures can undermine the effective administration of justice.
Efforts to Improve Inaccessible Courts Continue
HM Courts and Tribunals Service has acknowledged that accessibility remains a challenge in some buildings and says it is working to reduce barriers for disabled users.
Campaigners welcome these efforts but argue that much more work remains. They say inaccessible courts continue to prevent some disabled people from participating fully in the justice system and stress that improving accessibility is essential to ensuring equal access to justice for everyone.