NCJ Number
175930
Date Published
1997
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This report analyzes case processing in the criminal justice system of Great Britain and recommends ways to speed case processing from initiation to resolution, consistent with the interests of both justice and cost-effectiveness.
Abstract
Information was collected by means of interviews of more than 60 judges, police chiefs, prosecutors, court personnel, correctional personnel, defense attorneys, and staff from the Court Service. Results revealed that both the time taken to complete cases and the number of adjournments has increased markedly in recent years, despite a large reduction in the number of cases coming to magistrates' courts. The greatest possibility for bringing cases to court quickly related to cases that end in a guilty plea. Handling these cases more rapidly requires a closer working relationship between the police and the crown prosecution service, including the permanent location of prosecutors in police stations. Another recommended change is to list cases involving probable guilty pleas for hearing the next sitting day after the charge and making the abbreviated file available to the duty solicitor, whose services the defendants needing legal advice would generally be expected to use. Other changes should focus on the distribution of cases and pretrial preparation. In addition, the juvenile justice system needs a basic review to address the uncertainty experienced by many who work in the Youth Court. Figures and appended background information and list of recommendations