So much for speedy justice

[Ocelot II]

8. I think New York's speedy trial rule provides that *the prosecution* has 60 days

to announce that it is ready for trial, but the defense can waive that time limit through discovery motions, etc. The reason for the existence of the constitutional speedy trial rule is to be sure that a defendant who is presumed innocent isn't left hanging indefinitely, possibly in jail, while the prosecution drags its feet. The rule might be why the Manhattan criminal court system is so overburdened; most defendants want and are entitled to be tried ASAP. But there is no way for the prosecution to make a case move more quickly because the speedy trial right belongs only to the defendant.