NCJ Number
140744
Journal
Research Bulletin Issue: 30 Dated: (1991) Pages: 26-29
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The phased introduction of time limits on criminal proceedings started in England in 1987, and monitoring in 10 Crown Prosecution areas revealed less than 9 percent of cases exceeded the limits and less than 2 percent of extension applications were refused.
Abstract
Following field trials in 1986 in three Crown Court areas, limits on the period defendants may be remanded in custody at various stages of criminal proceedings were introduced in a number of other areas in 1987 and 1988. Effects of time limits were monitored to investigate the extent and causes of court delay. As a result of field trials, it was decided that time limits should be applied only to periods during which defendants were remanded in custody before trial. Three time limits were specified: summary trial limit of 56 days from first appearance in magistrate courts to summary trial; committal limit of 70 days from first appearance in magistrate courts to committal for trial in the Crown Court; and Crown Court limit of 112 days from committal for trial to arraignment. With respect to the effectiveness of time limits, findings showed no consistent reduction in the average time defendants spent in custody and in the percentage of cases exceeding relevant time limits. However, some effects were suggested for the 70-day limit. Before the introduction of time limits in 1989, more than 25 percent of defendants spent longer than 70 days in custody before committal. After time limits were introduced, this percentage was reduced by half. Further, there was a marked decrease of 12 days in the average time in custody before committal. 3 references