The mediation process being used by Shawnee County District Court judges to resolve some criminal cases undoubtedly saves taxpayers money, the cost of some jury trials, but that actually might be the least important benefit the procedure delivers.
This country’s Constitution guarantees everyone his or her day (or days) in court, but justices isn’t always swift in coming, especially when a limited number of judges must handle all the criminal cases that come their way.
Mediation can speed that process by eliminating jury trials and all the different hearings that precede them, which often draw out a case for an extended period and delay justice for defendant and victim alike. Mediation also saves witnesses and victims from the stress of testifying at a trial and frees some time that law enforcement officials, court employees and attorneys can devote to other duties.
