NCJ Number
89450
Date Published
1982
Length
145 pages
Annotation
A sample survey of cases heard in Georgia's superior courts during fiscal year 1980 revealed that the average time taken to dispose of cases generally met nationally established standards, except for civil cases which substantially exceeded these standards.
Abstract
The sample of 5,481 cases consisted of 1,600 felony cases; 1,786 general civil cases; and 1,895 domestic relations cases. The statewide average time to process felony cases from indictment to disposition was approximately 55 judicial days, almost equaling the 52 judicial days standard suggested in court delay literature. Even felony trials were processed in 52 days, although they are usually considered more prolonged. However, the 52-day interval from arrest to indictment exceeded the recommended standard of 22 days. American Bar Association guidelines suggest that civil cases should be heard within 127 days of the filing of a complaint. While superior courts disposed of domestic relations cases in approximately 109 days, the average disposition of days taken to dispose of both civil and domestic relations jury trials appeared to substantially exceed national averages. Footnotes are given. Graphs, tables, and data on each of Georgia's six circuits are supplied. The appendixes provide an explanation of the study's methodology, a description of the State's statutory case processing time limitations, and materials used in data collection.