The judicial system is set for a historic realignment as the government moved on Tuesday to establish dedicated gun courts to rapidly try firearm offences and tackle a growing backlog of cases amid rising gun violence.

An amendment to the Supreme Court of Judicature Act would authorise the creation of a dedicated Firearms Division within the High Court and significantly increases the judicial complement to ensure rapid adjudication.

Two distinct “gun courts” would be formed to address different pressure points within the criminal justice system. One court will focus exclusively on handling new cases filed since January of this year, whilst the second dual-functioning tribunal will be tasked with clearing the backlog of older firearm offences.