ABSTRACT
The right to a speedy trial is one of the most fundamental liberties protected by US Constitution. The right is established by Sixth Amendment, which provides a check on government powers that relate to government's capacity to accuse an individual of violating the law, initiate court proceedings, or incarcerate an accused individual. The Speedy Trial Act of 1974 established time limits for completing the steps associated with a federal criminal prosecution. The right to a speedy trial protects the accused from a lengthy period of incarceration prior to trial, minimizes the anxiety and stress for the accused, and reduces the possibility of losing witnesses as time progresses, as well as the possibility of critical evidence becoming contaminated or lost. If the accused is in jail, speedy trial minimizes the public cost for sustenance. If the accused is out, speedy trial reduces the opportunity for the commitment of other crimes by the defendant, as well as the chance of jumping bail.
