NCJ Number
131201
Date Published
Unknown
Length
25 pages
Annotation
A pooled time series-cross section design was used to estimate the impact of speedy trial laws in Connecticut and North Carolina. The present research was unable to resolve previous debates in the literature over whether these laws reduce delay in criminal cases.
Abstract
The results showed no impact of speedy trial laws in Connecticut, but strong evidence that they did reduce delay in North Carolina. Numerous replications with different measures of delay produced consistent outcomes. While speedy trial laws in North Carolina have a time limit of less than half that in Connecticut, there are other reasons, including factors that toll the running of the time limits, that may account for the different results. However, as is often the case when assessing court reforms, the current state of knowledge does not permit definitive analysis of their effectiveness. 3 tables, 9 notes, and 32 references (Author abstract modified)