Although delay is the most visible problem facing the U.S. courts today, few empirical studies have focused on the causes of variance in processing time. After discussing conceptual ambiguities in previous research, this study outlines nine hypotheses relating to the following characteristics identified as potential influences in case processing time: bail status, type of attorney, mode of disposition, seriousness of charge, case complexity, nature of the crime, motions, defendant characteristics, and sentence. In addition to the sample of cases filed in the three sites, the project interviewed key courtroom actors and observed courtroom activities. Statistical analysis of this data indicated higher levels of explained variance than previously reported. Bail status, mode of disposition, and motion activity emerged as the best predictors in all three courts. Defendants held in jail and cases terminated with a plea of guilty experienced faster dispositions, while the filing of pretrial motions extended the processing time. Contrary to expectations, type of attorney, case complexity, type of charge, and defendant's attributes were poor predictors. The study concluded that case processing characteristics rather than case type were correlated with delays and that future research should concentrate on these variables instead of a defendant's race, age, or prior criminal history. Footnotes, 31 references, and tables are included. (Author abstract modified)