NCJ Number
82139
Date Published
1979
Length
38 pages
Annotation
Current research on pretrial release, pretrial diversion, and dispute resolution which may have a significant impact on the state-of-the-art of pretrial alternatives in the future is reviewed.
Abstract
The research reviewed consists of (1) a study of pretrial release and misconduct in the District of Columbia, conducted by the Institute for Law and Social Research; (2) phase 2 of the National Evaluation of Pretrial Release, conducted by the Lazar Institute; (3) an evaluation of the 1974 Speedy Trial Act, Title II, including both a report of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and a data analysis report from the Federal Judicial Center, each of which addresses the administration and operation of Federal pretrial services agencies established pursuant to Title II; (4) an evaluation of the Court Employment Project (diversion) in New York City, conducted by the Vera Institute; and (5) the National Evaluation of the Neighborhood Justice Center concept, conducted by the Institute for Social Analysis. The format for the review of each research project consists of a brief description of the project and its purpose, significance, and current status; explanation of the methods used; major findings and conclusions; and analysis of the limitations and implications of the study. Overall conclusions from the review are that (1) pretrial programs should remain open to the possibility and process of change; (2) there should be more research on the concept of a continuum of pretrial services available to defendants; (3) more effective feedback is needed by judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys on the impact of decisions made throughout the pretrial process; (4) individual programs should periodically assess their performance and impact; and (5) evaluation research should be carefully controlled to increase the level of confidence in the findings. A total of 28 footnotes are provided.