NCJ Number
119962
Journal
Judges' Journal Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (Summer 1989) Pages: 18-22,46
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article reports the recommendations of judges and lawyers on reducing trial delays.
Abstract
A survey containing 11 questions was responded to by 250 judges and lawyers. Responses are organized into three categories: trial preparation, conduct at trial, and use of technology. Suggestions for reducing trial delays at the trial preparation stage included setting a firm date for the trial; use of pretrial conferences; encouraging stipulations; and, under certain circumstances, using written testimony. Suggestions for reducing trial delays during the trial included scheduling full day sessions and not permitting interruptions, sensitive judicial interventions to move the trial along, and the use of such special devices as allowing the jury to take notes and the use of court-appointed masters to summarize masses of documents and to undertake fact-finding. The use of technology to reduce trial delays included audio-visual depositions, telephone conferencing, and computer-assisted calendar management. 15 references.