Felony case scheduling policies and continuances: A simulation study

The criminal justice system consists of interacting parts and represents a dynamic process through which the accused moves in stages. This study focuses on felony criminal offenses and the court stage of the judicial process. Specifically this study examines and evaluates utilization of the courtrooms of a legal system under pre-trial policy considerations governing case flow, and identifies problem areas of under-capacity, or bottlenecks. The model presented utilizes simulation as a means of describing the system, and conducting alternative (scheduling) policy requirements. The results of the study reveal that due process can be achieved while minimizing interference with those who want a “speedy trial”.