NCJ Number
113455
Date Published
1986
Length
265 pages
Annotation
Because of long trial delays and a fragmented, inefficient system for processing criminal cases, the New Jersey Supreme Court initiated a speedy trial program in 1980, announced time goals for case disposition, and challenged Counties to meet these goals.
Abstract
These task force reports examine the program's effectiveness, identify innovations, and delineate areas in which problems still remain. Overall, the program has established connections among all components of the criminal justice system that contribute to a more effective system and a reduction in trial delays. However, there is some concern that improvements have been at the expense of system's participants. The program was designed to promote fair and expeditious case processing, not guilty pleas, waivers of trial rights, or coercion of defendants. Five general themes and principles emerge from proposed standards for case processing and disposition, but the overriding theme is that the system's most important resource is its people. It is recommended that policies on procedural and organizational matters should result from the full participation and, if possible, consensus, of judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, and other involved agencies. The judiciary should provide a simple and stable framework for case processing, and specific procedures for smooth and orderly caseflow should be designed. Such procedures should be flexible enough to be adapted to local conditions. Finally, recognition of human values is paramount to the creation of a system that strives for excellence. Tables and footnotes.