NCJ Number
136653
Journal
Yale Law and Policy Review Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (1990) Pages: 117-145
Date Published
1990
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This article first describes the broad context in which drug cases now confront urban trial courts and the negative effects this context has had on justice operations and then proposes several ways in which courts can more adequately process drug caseloads.
Abstract
American urban trial courts face the task of processing an unprecedented number of drug cases as a result of the war on drugs. Recent drug case processing research reveals five general guidelines that can help courts to better manage their drug caseloads: design comprehensive caseflow-management programs which encourage attorneys to meet with their clients soon after arrest, provide prosecutors the information and authority needed to prepare reasonable plea offers quickly, enable courts to monitor case progress and limit "courtesy" continuances, and provide accurate and timely sentencing reports; identify and implement mechanisms for working more closely with nonjudicial agencies; lead the justice system in developing mechanisms for gathering vital case information early in the process; set firm trial dates; and, when additional resources are needed, encourage the justice system to add resources selectively. 1 table and 87 footnotes