NCJ Number
157596
Date Published
1995
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes current data on the workload in process in the Santa Clara County (California) justice system as a result of the "three strikes you're out" (strike) law.
Abstract
The number of two- and three-strike filings has been less than projected, and the full impact of the cases that have been filed has been slow in developing. However, while the proportion of total cases that are strike-related is small, the amount of time needed to process them is substantial. Effective management of the emerging workload can theoretically be attained through modification of existing justice policies, initiation of improved business practices, or added resources. Some of the specific aspects of court caseload discussed here include dispositions, number of appearances, and preliminary hearings in municipal court; case processing times; strike case processing and dispositions in Superior Court; presentation of three-strike cases to the grand jury; and public defender strike data. 17 tables