NCJ Number
110117
Date Published
1988
Length
280 pages
Annotation
Data were analyzed from more than 1,500 cases in 9 trial courts of general jurisdiction in New Jersey, Colorado, and California to identify factors contributing to variations in the length of trials.
Abstract
Trial length was found to vary greatly both within and among States. Median civil trial lengths ranged from 10 to 30 hours, while criminal trials ranged from 6.5 to over 23 hours. Part of this variation could be attributed to structural factors such as the nature of the court's caseload (e.g. homicide and product liability cases versus motor vehicle torts and burglary cases) and its method of jury selection (i.e., judge versus attorney voir dire). Despite the contribution of such factors, similar trials also were found to vary widely in duration, suggesting that some courts try their cases more expeditiously than others. Based on data, site interviews, and questionnaire responses, the overall results suggest that the degree of judicial management at all phases of the trial and increased continuity in trial days are the most important factors in accounting for variations in trial lengths. Further, the majority of judges and attorneys perceived no injustice or lack of fairness in those courts with shorter trial lengths. Supplemental research data are appended. Tables, data collection forms, figures, footnotes, and 35-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)