NCJ Number
4729
Journal
Judicature Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Dated: (MAY 1972) Pages: 377-382
Date Published
1972
Length
6 pages
Annotation
PANEL DISCUSSION IN WHICH MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS BAR GAVE THEIR REACTIONS TO THE EXPERIMENTAL USE OF OMNIBUS PRETRIAL HEARINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES.
Abstract
THE OMNIBUS HEARING PROJECT WAS INITIATED IN THE FEDERAL COURTS OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS TO TEST THE VALUE OF THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION'S STANDARDS ON DISCOVERY AND PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURE. THE OMNIBUS HEARINGS PROVIDE A PROCEDURE IN WHICH ISSUES NORMALLY RAISED AT THE TRIAL ARE FULLY EXPLORED IN ADVANCE BY BOTH PROSECUTION AND DEFENSE ATTORNEYS. THE PANEL MEMBERS INDICATED THAT THE PROJECT WAS SUCCESSFUL, IN THAT IT VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED THE WRITTEN MOTION PRACTICE, SAVED COUNSEL AND COURT TIME AND EFFORT, EXPOSED LATENT PROCEDURAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL PROBLEMS, PROVIDED DISCOVERY FOR AN INFORMED PLEA, AND SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED THE CONGESTION OF THE TRIAL CALENDAR.