Criminal trial delays in Australia : trial listing outcomes
This research examines the reasons for which criminal trials in Australia fail to proceed on the day of listing. The rationale of such an inquiry is that matters that fail to proceed as scheduled contribute to backlog and delay, both of which consume significant criminal justice resources. Moreover, delay in the criminal trial system may result in adverse effects, not the least of which is the anguish endured by the victims of crime and their families, and the community demanding protection from criminal offenders. This research used quantitative data from courts across a number of Australian states and territories to demonstrate that more than half of all listed criminal trials fail to commence on the listed day. After an analysis of data about trials and extensive interviews with court administrators, it is found that those trials that do not proceed can be placed into two categories: those trials that are finalised on or near the trial date either by way of late guilty plea or late withdrawal by the prosecution, and those trials that are adjourned and re-listed. While some delays will be inevitable, the report builds on recommendations made by a working group of the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General to suggest ways of reducing the backlog of criminal trials across Australia.
Sentence Disparity, Judge Shopping and Trial Court Delay
Until recently, criminal matters finalised by way of a trial in the NSW District Court have been the subject of substantial delays. In 1990–93, there was a significant drop in the backlog of trial cases pending in the court but the corresponding reduction in trial court delay has been less substantial than might have been expected. The article draws on past research showing that adjournments contribute significantly to trial court delay and considers the question of whether the practice of 'judge shopping' might in part be responsible for the high rate of adjournments. Evidence is presented showing that there are substantial disparities in the use of imprisonment by District Court judges and that this appears to be a determining factor in the willingness of defendants to proceed to trial.
The Soviet Home Front, 1941-1945: A Social and Economic History of the USSR in World War II
List of tables and maps Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations and technical terms Part 1: On the Eve 1. Building Socialism 2. The Great Patriotic War 3. The State in Wartime Part 2: Soviet Society at War 4. Mobilisation 5. Subsistence and Survival 6. The Social Order Part 3: The Productive Effort 7. Fortress of the Rear 8. Labour: The 'Ultimate Bottleneck' 9. 'In Labour as in Combat' 10. Production: The Power of Victory 11. Planning: 'The Military-Economic Staff' Epilogue Tables Important dates References Maps Index