Research Report Is Juvenile Justice Just Too Slow?
Jeffrey A. Butts, Joseph B. Sanborn Jr.
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Youth charged with delinquency offenses in U.S. juvenile courts cannot assert a right to speedy trial. As with several other rights enjoyed exclusively by adults (e.g., trial by jury, consideration of bail), a federal right to speedy trial is not provided for juveniles. Some states, however, have established time standards for the juvenile court's handling of young offenders. In a few cases, state laws have been enough to provoke prejudicial dismissal of delinquency charges when court delays have exceeded statutory requirements. Other states have acted to restrict or even to deny speedy trial for juveniles. Differences on this issue appear to be growing among courts and legislatures. Published originally in Judicature, Vol. 83, No. 1, July-August 1999. Reproduced with the permission of the American Judicature Society, Chicago, Illinois.
Research Areas Crime, justice, and safety Children and youth
Tags Courts and sentencing Juvenile justice Delinquency and crime