Speedy Trial Act--Its Impact on the Judicial System Still Unknown

Federal law requires that a Federal criminal case be processed within the established time frames totaling 100 days. Generally, cases not processed within this period, as extended by allowable delays, must be dismissed with or without prejudice. To allow district courts to move smoothly toward the 100-day limit, legislation provided a 4-year phase-in period during which time specific steps were to become effective gradually.