Legal Definitions - Speedy trial

The right to a speedy trial is a constitutional right in the United States. It means that a person who is accused of a crime has the right to have their trial happen quickly. This right is protected by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

The Supreme Court of the United States has said that there is no exact rule for how long a delay can be before it becomes a violation of the right to a speedy trial. Instead, the Court looks at four things:

• How long the delay was
• Why there was a delay
• Whether the person accused of the crime asked for a speedy trial
• Whether the delay hurt the person's ability to defend themselves in court

For example, if someone is arrested for a crime and then has to wait a long time before their trial, they might argue that their right to a speedy trial has been violated. If the court agrees, the case might be dismissed or the person might be given a new trial.