NCJ Number
108480
Date Published
1987
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Panelists discuss factors that influence trial time and the importance of judicial management of trial events to prevent unnecessary delays and time consumption.
Abstract
Dale Sipes reports on a study of trial lengths in samples of cases in New Jersey, Colorado, and California. Trial time data were recorded as the trials progressed, and case characteristics were noted. The study included 1,500 jury and nonjury trials. Court personnel attitudes toward trial times were also surveyed. Trial times varied widely among the three States and among various types of cases. Of criminal cases, homicides took the longest, followed by rape, robbery, and theft. Other factors affecting trial times were number of witnesses, testimony time, and number of exhibits. These factors tended to vary according to case complexity. Jury selection procedures also impacted trial time. Judge Richard Silver of the Monterey County Superior Court (California) advises that the efficiency with which trial events proceed depends largely on the judge's commitment to efficiency. Judges can be trained to move trials more quickly. This should include attention to a reasonable time for attorney voir dire (jury selection). Edward Beglin, a judge in the Union County Superior Court (New Jersey) advises that although voir dire conducted by judges takes less time than that conducted by attorneys, there is a danger that it could become perfunctory and mechanical. Judge Beglin also comments that when key witnesses have not been used in pretrial hearings, trial cross-examination tends to be less lengthy, since there is not as much testimony available for examination. Audience questions are included on the tape.