NCJ Number
17997
Journal
Judicature Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Dated: (MAY 1972) Pages: 377-382
Date Published
1972
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THIS PROJECT IS A COMPREHENSIVE FORM OF PRETRIAL IN WHICH ISSUES TO BE RAISED AT THE TRIAL ARE FULLY EXPLORED IN ADVANCE BY BOTH DEFENSE AND PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS.
Abstract
THIS PROJECT IS PART OF THE STANDARDS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE RELATING TO DISCOVERY AND PRETRIAL PROCEDURE. THIS ARTICLE IS A CONDENSED VERSION OF THE REMARKS OF A CHIEF JUDGE, AN ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, AND A PRACTICING DEFENSE ATTORNEY ON THEIR REACTIONS TO WORKING UNDER THE PROJECT AFTER TWO YEARS OF PROJECT OPERATION IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS. THE OMNIBUS HEARING PROCEDURE IS DESCRIBED AND ALL THREE MEN RATE THE PROJECT AS SUCCESSFUL, CITING THE FACT THAT THE PROJECT ELIMINATES WRITTEN MOTIONS, RESULTS IN MORE GUILTY PLEAS, AND REDUCES COURT TRIAL TIME AND TRIAL COURT DELAYS. SEVERAL ACTUAL CASES IN WHICH OMNIBUS HEARINGS PROVED OF SUCH VALUE ARE ALSO RELATED.