In order to examine the extent of the problems, case processing of adults in criminal justice systems in European countries is examined from a methodological perspective. Particular focus is given to France, Italy, England, Wales, and the Netherlands and to the subcategories of case processing of prosecution and investigation procedures, remand in custody, length of trial phase, and length of the whole process. Detection and analysis of causes of delay is calculated per type of intervention inclusive of all separate parts of the criminal justice system they have to pass through as well as the four, sub-categories of case processing. Suggestions are presented for reducing delays caused by individual agencies and delays caused by interactions between agencies during the prosecution process, pretrial, court user groups, and pretrial reviews. Additional sources of delays can result from the defense, after sentencing, from fine enforcement, and imprisonment. Because of major differences among procedures with which offenders are dealt with in the different countries, the most useful ideas will be specifically directed for reasons of long processing times in that particular country. 81 references, 9 tables, and 6 charts