NCJ Number
143527
Journal
Home Office Research and Statistics Department Research Bulletin Issue: 33 Dated: (1993) Pages: 10-14
Date Published
1993
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The use of pre-trial reviews (PTR's) in magistrates' courts in Bradford and Leeds, England, was evaluated by examining their impact on case streamlining and case settlement.
Abstract
PTR's typically consist of informal meetings held between defense and prosecution attorneys, presided over by a court clerk, who discuss issues likely to arise in cases proceeding to trial. They aim to disclose information in advance of the trial date to ensure a fairer and more focused hearing. Data for this study were collected from cases involving 272 defendants in Leeds and 462 defendants in Bradford; the main indicators of efficiency studied here included the overall number of appearances made by each defendant during the progress of his case, the number of trial hearings listed for each defendant, and the length of time required to disposition. The findings show that, although numerous cases were settled at the PTR level, those that did proceed to trial involved more hearings and a longer timeframe than non-PTR cases. However, case settlements arising from PTR's benefited the courts by enabling a reorganization of lists at an earlier stage, allowing greater efficiency, fluidity, and certainty. Report contains 1 table.