What Is Meant by a Speedy Trial - Essay Example

Provisions for the presence of the defendant and bench warrant include the presence of the defendant, persons serving terms of imprisonment, and a bench warrant. Provisions for sanctions include dismissal, late arraignment, release from custody, released defendants, the discipline of attorneys, and alleged juvenile delinquents (Caesar, 2010). The mentioned provisions are currently being used in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Cases related to the issue of the speedy trial include the United States v. Marion case in which Marion held that delay in preindictment does not infringe the defendant’s right to a speedy trial as indicated in the Sixth Amendment. State v. Gray's case presents another issue in the speedy trial; the defendant was accused of carnal knowledge or sexual intercourse with an underage (under the age of 12) female. The criminal act is said to have occurred 42 years ago before the arrest. The indictment was dismissed by the trial court on the basis that prejudice was incurred on Gray because of the delay. However, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeal reversed the decision made by the trial court, and the indictment was reinstated (Acker and Brody, 2004).