Impact of Speedy Trial Laws in Connecticut and North Carolina

• NCJ Number: 133639
• Journal: Justice System Journal Volume: 14/3, V 15/1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 343-357
• Date Published: 1991
• Author(s): T B Marvell; M L Luskin
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): 85-IJ-CX-0045
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)

Annotation

Using a pooled time series-cross section design and a standard fixed effect regression model, this study examines the impact of speedy trial laws in North Carolina and Connecticut in terms of reducing delay in criminal cases.

Abstract

The results were ambiguous and replicated earlier studies which found that there is no evidence that the Connecticut law reduced delay, but strong indications that the law in North Carolina did. The North Carolina law may have been more successful because of the difference in time limits or because of other factors that toll the running of the time limits, but these explanations are speculative and incomplete. Future research into this issue should probably use a more extensive sample. A technique that may work with relatively small samples is the application of Boolean algebra which is used in cross-section studies of nations; this procedure might reveal a factor or pattern of factors necessary for speedy trial laws to reduce delay. 2 tables, 9 notes, 1 appendix, and 32 references