Explain the right to a speedy trial. For a case to go to trial, it must be placed on a court docket, or calendar. Courtroom participants need to know when a case is scheduled to be heard because the...

Explain the right to a speedy trial.

For a case to go to trial, it must be placed on a court docket, or calendar. Courtroom participants need to know when a case is scheduled to be heard because the demand for judges and courtrooms exceeds available resources. The Sixth Amendment provides that a defendant will receive a speedy trial, but the Constitution does not define what time frame constitutes a speedy trial. The Supreme Court has ruled that delays caused by the defendant, such as requests for postponement and claims related to competency to stand trial, cannot be considered denial of a speedy trial.

1. How does the right to a speedy trial differ from the statute of limitations?

2. How many days does a federal prosecutor have after indictment to start the trial?

3. What could be the outcome if a prosecutor failed to meet the speedy trial requirement?