The Pre-trial Process at the ICTY as a Means of Ensuring Expeditious Trials: A Potential Unrealized

Whilst clarifying that given their complexity internationalcriminal trials cannot be considered unreasonably long, theauthor maintains that the procedural framework in place at theInternational Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia issuitable for ensuring fair and effective proceedings. However,for expediency to be achieved, it is imperative that judgesbe more actively involved in the pre-trial phase. In particular,the author suggests that pre-trial judges appointed in eachcase should personally preside over all (or most) preliminaryhearings and should then be members of the Trial Chamber thatwill hear the case.     

Mental health and corrections: towards a working partnership

This paper describes the development of mental health services to the courts and correction facilities in the City of New York. The origins, structure, and functions of the interagency New York City Task Force on Prison Mental Health Services are explained. The Task Force's role in the development, promulgation, and implementation of the Minimum Standards for Mental Health Services in New York City Correctional Facilities are outlined. These standards, enacted by the New York City Board of Correction, are described and discussed.     

The judge's view of competency evaluations. II

Twenty trial court judges were surveyed to determine what information they considered pertinent in psychiatric examinations for competence. These judges showed a clear understanding of what they were asking for in ordering the examinations but also showed a significant tendency to use the competency exam to advise them about other issues in addition (e.g., dangerousness or the need for treatment). As a group the judges appeared to be eager for psychiatric input. Typical judges could be described as pragmatic in their views of psychiatry in the courtroom, having a relatively low level of expectation but a high degree of satisfaction with the psychiatric opinions they receive.