Why does the court systems seem to drag out for days and weeks before you can get to a verdict?

Question

I have been privilaged to be a part of only a few court proceedings. In "all" cases (business and divorse related cases) it just seemed to me that while I was ready to get it over and out of my life so that I "and the court" could move on with our lives...it didn't move on. It was as if it would go on and on and on...you get the picture. I do know and I am aware that there are circumstances that can contribute to slowing things down. I'm not addressing this issue. What I do want to address and ask you is based on my own personal observations. It appeared to me that it was the Judges and or the attorneys themselves that were the "major" but not the total part of the problem. After all I have heard it said, by others, over my life time that the courts are a host of "strange bed fellows", no puns of any kind intended. What has been your and prehaps some or your friends experiences in having to wait when there truly seems to not be any reason...except for deep sea fishing trips and golf!

Answer 1

I am a Law Clerk with District Court. There are four main reasons the adjudication process is prolonged.

1. JUDGES - do not want to accept guilty or no contest pleas form defendants on criminal violations until they have had a chance to get legal advise from an attorney.

2. PROSECUTORS - are often not prepared with any given case and are often delayed in their duties because of officers and witnesses not appearing in court.

3. DEFENDANTS - are often aware that a charge MUST BE DISMISSED after a certain amount of time has elapsed within their trial. This is a Constitutional right to a speedy trial that is often abused.

4. COURTS - are often overloaded with thousands of petty offenses that could be handled more expediently through civil fines rather than criminal charges.

Answer 2

Because lawyers get paid by the hour.