NCJ Number
16521
Journal
Judicature Volume: 54 Issue: 10 Dated: (MAY 1971) Pages: 418-423
Date Published
1971
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE AUTHOR DISCUSSES SPECIFIC CHANGES NEEDED IN THE URBAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO ELIMINATE WHAT HE CALLS THE 'SLOW MOTION JUSTICE' IN THE BIG CITIES OF THE UNITED STATES.
Abstract
EMPHASIZED IN THIS SPEECH IS THE NEED TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY COURT DELAYS. SUGGESTED AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT INCLUDE DOING AWAY WITH MANDATORY GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS, ALLOWING LIBERAL DISCOVERY AT ARRAIGNMENT, FILING ALL ORAL MOTIONS NO LATER THAN 10 DAYS AFTER ARRAIGNMENT, AND USING A STENO-COMPUTERIZED TRANSCRIPT SYSTEM. ALSO RECOMMENDED ARE LIMITING THE TIME SPENT ON JURY SELECTION, PREPARING BACKGROUND REPORTS ON DEFENDANTS AT THE TIME THE CASE GOES TO TRIAL, REQUIRING APPEALS TO BE FILED WITHIN 10 DAYS AFTER THE TRIAL, AND THE ELIMINATION OF APPELLATE BRIEFS AND LENGTHY, SIGNED APPELLATE OPINIONS. OTHER PROPOSALS INCLUDE REFORM OF THE MONEY BAIL SYSTEM, DECRIMINALIZATION OF VICTIMLESS CRIMES, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF FEDERALLY FUNDED NARCOTIC TREATMENT CENTERS, WHICH WOULD OFFER ADDICTS MULTI-MODALITY THERAPY AND DAILY SUPPLIES OF METHADONE.