38th Annual Student Research Conference
The 1979 Speedy Trial Act Amendment Act: A Public Policy Analysis
Samantha K. Dotson
Dr. Candy Young, Faculty Mentor
The Speedy Trial Act of 1974 appeared to be a much needed solution to the concerning backlog in federal criminal cases among an increasing crime rate. Yet, by 1976, the act faced intense scrutiny from key actors within the criminal justice system. The formulation and passage of the Speedy Trial Act Amendment Act of 1979 portrays a unique perspective on how key players transformed tense negotiations to faithful implementation of a now-standard legal practice. Applying policy formulation models provides insight into the role of governmental and non-governmental actors in shaping the amendment. This study finds that data availability played a key role in driving policy change by highlighting inefficiencies and guiding adjustments.
Keywords: policy formulation, speedy trial, criminal justice policy
Topic(s):Political Science
Justice Systems
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 400-16
Location: SUB Activities Room
Time: 6:15