THIS PROJECT WAS UNDERTAKEN IN RESPONSE TO AN IMMEDIATE NEED FOR PLANNING BECAUSE OF AN ALMOST 400 PERCENT INCREASE IN CRIMINAL CASE BACKLOG OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE PROJECT GOALS, A CONSULTANT CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS AND MADE ON-SITE OBSERVATIONS. RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE FOR FURTHER STUDY, INCLUDING A COMPLETE STUDY OF CRIMINAL CASE PROCESSING IN CHESTER COUNTY, A STUDY OF ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION, A STUDY OF COURTHOUSE SPACE, AND A STUDY OF JUROR MANAGEMENT. IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE FEASIBILITY OF EMPLOYING FULL-TIME DISTRICT ATTORNEYS SHOULD BE STUDIED IN CONNECTION WITH THE STUDY OF CRIMINAL CASE PROCESSING. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)...KAP