a speedy trial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a speedy trial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to the right of an accused person to have their trial conducted without unnecessary delay. Example: "The defendant has requested a speedy trial to ensure that their case is resolved promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're going to request a speedy trial.

The New York Times - Sports

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy trial.

Constitutional Law

See Note, The Right to a Speedy Trial, 20 Stan.L.Rev.

Cornell University

The right of a speedy trial is necessarily relative.

Cornell University

"Govt will make sure accused will face a speedy trial".

The Guardian

See Schindler, Interjurisdictional Conflict and the Right to a Speedy Trial, 35 U.Cin.L.Rev.

Cornell University

See the cases cited in Note, The Lagging Right to a Speedy Trial, 51 Va.L.Rev.

Cornell University

See also Note, The Right to a Speedy Trial, supra, for another slightly different approach.

Cornell University

MacDonald undeniably asserted his right to a speedy trial vigorously and often, beginning in January 1972.

Cornell University

The Act, intended "to give effect to the sixth amendment right to a speedy trial.

Cornell University

Andersen requested and received a speedy trial because of the mass client defection.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal rights, use "a speedy trial" to emphasize the constitutional guarantee. For example, "The Sixth Amendment ensures the right to "a speedy trial".

Common error

Avoid prioritizing speed so much that it compromises the fairness or thoroughness of the trial. Rushing through a trial can lead to overlooked evidence or inadequate representation. Balance efficiency with due process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a speedy trial" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition within a sentence. It denotes the concept of conducting a trial without unnecessary delay. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a speedy trial" is a well-established legal term that signifies the right to have a trial conducted without undue delay. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly used in News & Media and Academic contexts, the phrase has a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "prompt trial" and "expedited trial" exist, "a speedy trial" specifically emphasizes the legal and constitutional aspect of this right. It's crucial to balance the need for speed with ensuring a fair and thorough trial. The phrase’s frequent appearance in reputable sources like The New York Times and Cornell University underscores its significance and appropriate use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prompt trial

Replaces "speedy" with "prompt", emphasizing the immediacy of the trial.

expedited trial

Uses "expedited" to highlight the accelerated nature of the trial process.

swift trial

Substitutes "speedy" with "swift", conveying quickness.

fast trial

Employs the simpler term "fast" to denote the quickness of the trial.

accelerated trial

Replaces "speedy" with "accelerated", focusing on the faster pace of the proceedings.

quick trial

Uses "quick" as a more informal synonym for "speedy".

timely trial

Emphasizes that the trial occurs within a reasonable timeframe.

expeditious trial

A more formal substitute using "expeditious" for "speedy".

efficient trial

Highlights the efficiency of the trial process.

rapid trial

Similar to "swift trial", but using "rapid" to convey speed.

FAQs

What does "a speedy trial" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "a speedy trial" refers to the right of an accused person to have their trial conducted without undue delay, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This ensures that the defendant's case is resolved promptly and fairly.

What are some alternatives to saying "a speedy trial"?

You can use alternatives such as "prompt trial", "expedited trial", or "swift trial" to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the efficiency and timeliness of the trial process.

What factors determine if a trial is considered "speedy" enough?

Determining whether a trial is "speedy" involves considering factors such as the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the defendant's assertion of their right to "a speedy trial", and any prejudice suffered by the defendant as a result of the delay.

Can a defendant waive their right to "a speedy trial"?

Yes, a defendant can waive their right to "a speedy trial", often to allow more time for their defense to prepare or negotiate a plea deal. However, this waiver must be made knowingly and voluntarily.