Introduction
The Law
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads, “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense” (1).
The Speedy Trial Act of 1974 and state laws provide guidance as to the number of days to bring a defendant to trial before this right is violated. A prosecutor may work around the “speedy trial clock” if they can show good cause for a delay, or if a defendant agrees to waive the right. One reason for the right to a speedy trial is to prevent a defendant from being held in custody only to find out that the defendant was innocent. An innocent citizen who is incarcerated in violation of the Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial is a violation of due process rights (2).
The Facts
Ben was indicted on 24 state counts of possession of fentanyl, with intent to distribute near an elementary school, and federal racketeering charges in September 2019. While Ben sat in jail, his attorney was able to delay his jury trial a few times so he could gather witnesses for Ben’s defense. In March 2020, Ben’s attorney submitted a motion to dismiss the charges for a violation of Ben’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial. The hearing was set for March 28. On March 15, the Governor of the state ordered all courts to close and suspended jury trials due to public safety concerns over COVID-19. Ben did not get his hearing and remained in jail.
Research the Federal Speedy Trial Act and its requirements.
Research the law in your home state pertaining to the number of days a defendant may be held in jail, consistent with the requirements of the Sixth Amendment, for a felony and misdemeanor charge.
Read United States v. Olsen [PDF] Download United States v. Olsen [PDF].
Instructions
Write a one-page explanation of whether Ben’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated, based on your understanding of the law and the 9th Circuit Appellate Court case, United States v. Olsen.
References
U.S. Const. amend. 6.
Speedy Trial Act of 1974, 18 U.S.C. § 3161 et seq (1974).
View Rubric
Week 5 Activity – Application of the Sixth Amendment and COVID-19CriteriaRatingsPts
Explain whether the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated, based on an understanding of the law and the 9th Circuit Appellate Court case, United States v. Olsen.
75 to >67.49 pts
Exemplary
Explained whether the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated, based on an understanding of the law and the 9th Circuit Appellate Court case, United States v. Olsen.
67.49 to >59.99 pts
Competent
Explained whether the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated, based on an understanding of the law and the 9th Circuit Appellate Court case, United States v. Olsen but overlooked key points of the case pertaining to the application of rights and the court’s decision.
59.99 to >52.49 pts
Satisfactory
Explained whether the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated, based on an understanding of the law and the 9th Circuit Appellate Court case, United States v. Olsen but with omissions and errors pertaining to the application of rights and decision of the court
52.49 to >44.99 pts
Needs Improvement
Stated whether the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated, without explanation.
44.99 to >0 pts
Unacceptable
Did not state whether the defendant’s Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial was violated.
https://canvas.strayer.edu/courses/10879/files/4301248/download?wrap=1
please let me know if the link does not work properly I will try to screenshot it the citation is in strayer writing standards i will place an example below
Kenneth
Jost, Byrd v. United
States, CQ Supreme Court
Collection (2018), http://library.cqpress.com.libdatab.strayer.edu/scc/scyb17-1944-106901-2892274.
