Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Interdisciplinary Studies
Program or Major
International Business
Faculty Advisor
Michael Matraia
Abstract
Currently, within the Massachusetts Criminal Justice System, defendants are forced to wait up to 12 months for a trial. These pre-trial delays have significantly detrimental effects on defendants. For example, there are economic implications, strains on personal relationships, and physical and mental health risks associated with incarceration. There are several other criminal justice systems that can provide criminal defendants trials in a timelier manner than Massachusetts. This thesis explores the right to a speedy and fair trial under the U.S. Constitution, the reasons for the potentially unconstitutional delays in Massachusetts, and proposes reforms to ensure individuals accused of a crime in Massachusetts receive a “speedy trial” as required under the U.S. Constitution.
Recommended Citation
Elliott, Cassidy Louise, "The Unconstitutional Backlog in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Criminal Justice System: A Three Step Plan to Decrease the Delay" (2024). Honors Theses. 150.
https://digitalcommons.assumption.edu/honorstheses/150