NCJ Number
94353
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1984) Pages: 37-39,55-57
Date Published
1984
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the New Jersey Statewide Speedy Criminal Trial Program, begun in 1981, was implemented and how it has fared since that time.
Abstract
The program began, with supreme court commitment, by setting up successful demonstration projects. These projects tested management techniques including early judicial controls, strong case management and monitoring of case progress by judges, early review and screening of criminal cases, adherence to scheduling orders with flexible time goals, and assurance that at completion of one event the next is scheduled. All members of the judicial system were then encouraged to contribute their ideas on the program at the annual judicial conference. Local planning procedures, an important component of consensus gathering, were developed at the county level, with emphasis on setting time frame goals for case processing. Mandatory in-court arraignment and predisposition conferences were mandated at the county level; these were the only rule changes of the program. While each local planning group evolved its own style, the one overarching element common to all was the use of participatory management. During the final months of 1980, county groups prepared and submitted their own Speedy Trial plans to the supreme court for approval. The local plans were implemented, assisted by statewide technical assistance from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Within counties, procedures for transfer of documents, scheduling of events, assignment of counsel, and the rest were set in motion. By the end of 1 year, median time of trial had dropped from almost 12 months to only 7 months for all cases. More than 70 percent of Speedy Trial dispositions met the goals, about double the percentage of dispositions that met those same goals the previous year.