– Why do people spend so much time in jail awaiting trial?

Question

I keep hearing about people in jail for 3+ years awaiting trial. If they’re ‘innocent until proven guilty’ I dont understand why they are confined. I thought there was a right to a speedy trial also or is that not really the case?

In: 235

Answer 1

Like any chokepoint in a system, too much going in for the processing function. Think queing for a haircut.

You can reduce the amount going in, increase the processing function, or cut back the process. Cutting back the service is cheapest. In a barbers you could offer buzzcuts only via one chair. In justice this means pleading out.

Reducing the customers would mean decriminalising offences, or reducing reoffending. More barbers would mean more courts. The first is politically expensive, the latter also expensive by raising taxes.