NCJ Number
16923
Date Published
1972
Length
30 pages
Annotation
RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMENTARY ARE PROVIDED ON WAYS TO REDUCE TRIAL COURT DELAYS IN CALIFORNIA SUPERIOR COURTS BY MAKING THE COURTS OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY IN ADMINISTRATIVE, ORGANIZATIONAL AND JUDICIAL MATTERS.
Abstract
THIS REPORT ESPOUSES SUGGESTIONS THAT WOULD: EXPAND THE INFRACTION CATEGORY OF PUBLIC OFFENSES; REVISE THE VOIR DIRE PROCEDURE FOR SELECTION OF A CRIMINAL JURY; REDUCE JURY SIZE IN SELECTED CRIMINAL CASES; AND, REVISE THE NUMBER OF PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES IN CRIMINAL CASES. OTHER SUGGESTIONS ARE DESIGNED TO: INSTITUTE STATEWIDE UNIFORMITY IN CERTAIN ASPECTS OF JURY SERVICE IN CRIMINAL CASES; AUTHORIZE MAJORITY VERDICTS IN SELECTED CRIMINAL CASES; REQUIRE CERTIFICATION OF COUNSEL FOR PARTICIPATION IN FELONY TRIAL PROCEEDINGS; ENACT AN ALIBI STATUTE; AND, TRANSFER SELECTED CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS FROM THE SUPERIOR COURT TO THE MUNICIPAL OR JUSTICE COURT. SEE ALSO NCJ-25105, 16922, 16924, 16925 AND 25106 FOR OTHER COMMITTEE REPORTS.