Why There's A Backlog In Criminal Courts

The video discusses the challenges faced by the US court system due to COVID-19, which exacerbated existing backlogs and delayed trials. It highlights the constitutional right to a speedy trial and how this has been compromised over the years, even before the pandemic. The National Center for State Courts' guidelines on case timelines are mentioned, showing that courts struggled to meet these even pre-COVID. The video also covers the prevalence of plea bargains due to long waits and labor shortages in the legal field. Efforts by states like Wisconsin to mitigate backlogs by involving private attorneys are also discussed.

What are some of the reasons for the backlog in criminal cases mentioned in the text?

How has the pandemic affected the right to a speedy trial in the US?

What statistics are provided regarding trials held in Chicago's Cook County before and during the pandemic?

What challenges do defendants face while waiting for their cases to be heard?

What measures are being taken in some states to address the backlog in the court system?